Transforming Downtown Indianapolis with a New Hotel and Entertainment Destination
A major redevelopment project in downtown Indianapolis is transforming the site of the former CSX building into a new destination for visitors, sports fans, and residents. Located next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, the $300 million development will introduce a 13-story luxury hotel, a 4,000-seat entertainment venue, retail space, and a pedestrian skybridge connecting directly to the arena.
Once completed, the project is expected to become a major tourism and entertainment hub for downtown Indianapolis, bringing new economic activity and visitors to the city.
To support this large-scale development, Schnabel was contracted to design and construct the specialized earth retention systems required for the project’s excavation and foundation work.
Schnabel’s Role: Earth Retention and Foundation Support
Schnabel partnered with general contractor Shiel Sexton to design and install a permanent secant pile wall and a temporary earth retention system that would allow excavation to safely proceed for the new development.
The retention system included several key components:
- Driven beams with wood lagging
- Permanent secant pile walls
- Rotary pressure injected tiebacks
- Two tiers of Soil Mix Pier Underpinning (SMPU)
These systems worked together to stabilize the surrounding soil and support nearby structures while excavation activities were underway.
To construct the secant pile walls, Schnabel deployed its newly acquired Bauer BG-33, a high-capacity rotary drilling rig designed for large-diameter drilled shaft construction. The equipment allowed the team to efficiently drill and install the secant piles needed to form the permanent retention wall.
Innovative Underpinning with Schnabel’s SMPU System
A key component of the project was the use of Schnabel’s patented Soil Mix Pier Underpinning (SMPU) method. This specialized underpinning technique stabilizes existing foundations by creating soil-cement columns beneath structures, reducing the amount of manual excavation traditionally required during underpinning.
Using SMPU allowed Schnabel to safely support an existing wall-line structure adjacent to the excavation while improving efficiency and reducing labor-intensive work.
Schnabel’s Research and Development team also supported the project by developing and testing the soil mix design used in the SMPU pits. During construction of the second tier of underpinning pits, the team quickly modified the mix design to allow proper soil mixing below the groundwater table, ensuring the work could continue without delays.
Complex Site Conditions
The project site presented several unique challenges that required careful planning and coordination.
One major design consideration involved existing structures near the excavation area. A large retaining wall located just beyond the secant pile wall had to remain stable during construction. In addition, an electrical vault located along the retention wall-line required specialized support to prevent movement during excavation.
Another challenge involved the new hotel’s deep foundation system, which overlapped with portions of Schnabel’s retention system. Addressing this required detailed design analysis to ensure both systems functioned safely together.
Another challenge faced was a fast-paced construction schedule. Completing the earth retention system on time was essential to allow demolition, excavation, and subsequent construction phases to proceed as planned.
Collaboration between Onsite Contractors
Schnabel worked closely with the general contractor Shiel Sexton and demolition and excavation contractor Renascent to coordinate the demolition of the former building and installation of the temporary earth retention system required for the redevelopment.
Through close collaboration and communication, the team successfully completed the retention system while maintaining stability for surrounding structures, including the electrical vault supported by SMPU, tiebacks, and steel walers.
Schnabel completed its scope of work in October 2025, meeting the client’s schedule and allowing the next phase of construction to move forward.
Looking Ahead: A New Destination for Indianapolis
The new hotel and entertainment venue are expected to open in early 2028, bringing new employment opportunities, increased tourism, and renewed energy to downtown Indianapolis.
By combining innovative geotechnical engineering, specialized equipment, and strong collaboration with project partners, Schnabel helped lay the foundation for one of the most anticipated redevelopment projects in the city.
Click here to learn more about this exciting project.
