The grand unveiling of Ball State Indianapolis Center, located at 50 S. Meridian St., took place Nov. 29 and showcased many of the key economic development initiatives in Indianapolis to which Ball State has contributed.

Ball State opened the Indianapolis Center in May to offer educational opportunities for working professionals and provide key resources for Indianapolis and state leaders promoting job growth and economic and quality-of-life development initiatives.

"Ball State has established itself as a key partner in the city's efforts to improve our neighborhood quality of life and keep our economy moving forward," said Mayor Bart Peterson.  "We are thrilled to have Ball State further establish its commitment to innovation and education in our city by opening the center in the heart of Indianapolis."

Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora believes the center will play a key role in helping Indianapolis and its residents achieve their goals.

"Based on Ball State's past success in many high-profile projects in Indianapolis, I believe this center will have an immediate impact in helping the city and the state of Indiana further its key initiatives," she said.

Gora, Peterson and Tamara Zahn, president of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., spoke during a brief ceremony hosted by Gerry Dick, president and managing editor of Grow Indiana Media Ventures and the creator/host of Inside Indiana Business.

Afterwards, a brief multimedia presentation marked the center's official opening. A reception and tours followed.

The first floor includes interactive kiosks that allow visitors to explore the digital films, art and animation being created at Ball State, search for information about the university's programs and learn about Ball State's ongoing quality-of-life development efforts in Indianapolis.

A bookstore for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will also be housed on the first floor.

The lower level includes a research hub for the Center for Media Design (CMD), in which companies can partner with Ball State on marketing research.

Ball State's College of Architecture and Planning: Indianapolis Center (CAP:IC) also will be located on site, allowing the university to continue its award-winning work on Indianapolis' urban planning and design projects. CAP:IC previously operated a center on West Washington Street.

The second and third floors are a combination of office space and classrooms where individuals can take master's degree courses in business administration, urban design, special education, educational administration and supervision, public relations and executive development for public service. AIA's Indiana office also is on the third floor.