TRex Enterprises, LLC Selects Developer for Former Winona Site

TRex Enterprises, LLC, has selected The Whitsett Group, LLC to redevelop and operate a portion of the site of the former Winona Hospital and Nursing Home generally located at N. Meridian Street and W. 33rd St.

“TRex’s primary goal was to select the most qualified development team to create a vibrant redevelopment initiative,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “The Whitsett Group provided the most comprehensive plan that promises to enhance the development physically while offering sustainable options from a team of professionals who have  expertise in finance, development, construction, management, and architectural/engineering services."

“We have more than twenty-five years of experience in the development and finance of affordable housing and a strong history of successfully completing urban developments in Indianapolis while working with surrounding neighborhoods to better ensure satisfaction with those who live there,” said Joe Whitsett, founder, The Whitsett Group.

“The City of Indianapolis looks forward to a continued collaborative relationship as movement continues on this project,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “We commend the developer’s commitment to achieving or surpassing the City’s minority- and woman-owned business participation goals. Redevelopment of this property will improve quality of life for those living in and visiting the area and contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood.”

"It is imperative that we hire a company that shares our vision and is committed to exceeding current MBE/WBE requirements. In fact, The Whitsett Group has committed to a 20 percent MBE participation in the project," said Anthony Bridgeman, director of Community Initiatives, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. "The Whitsett Group has demonstrated it is dedicated to doing so through its work on a regular basis with various minority owned businesses throughout Indianapolis. It will ensure that all city and NSP requirements are met or exceeded."  

“I appreciate the Museum’s outreach to obtain feedback from the neighborhood itself to make sure this is a project about which we can all be proud,” said Cordelia Lewis-Burks, neighborhood resident and community leader. “I am also thrilled there is such a strong commitment from the developer, the city and The Children’s Museum staff and board to make sure there is inclusion and promotion of diverse businesses and community members on this development.”

The Whitsett Group has five developments within five miles of the site and maintains those properties at or above 95 percent occupancy. Those properties include Constitution Gardens Apartments, Stetson Senior Apartments, Mapleton Properties, 1010 Central Apartments and the 707 North Apartments.

The former Winona Hospital and Nursing Home provided vital resources to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods from their opening in 1965 until their closure in 2004 as a result of the owners being forced into bankruptcy.
 
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences across the arts, sciences and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about the tourist attraction and museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.com/IndyTCM.

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