Guest Blog: Tamara Zahn "We Have Much to Celebrate."

Three cheers for MIBOR as you celebrate 100 years.  Thanks for all you've done – collectively and individually - to make Central Indiana a better place to call home.  You have made a difference. 

We've come a long way.  We have much to celebrate.

I vividly remember just twenty years ago when Indianapolis Downtown Inc. was being formed to develop, manage and market Downtown Indianapolis.  There were huge craters Downtown where the development of Circle Centre had stalled.  More businesses and residents were moving out of Downtown than moving in.  

Thankfully, an “army” of public and private sector civic leaders, active advocates, resident pioneers and a handful of brokers shared the belief that a strong heart was vital to the success and well-being of the entire region.  

Over the years, many worked tirelessly to develop and market compelling Downtown residential options and an irresistible package of cultural, entertainment and dining options, especially to empty nesters and young professionals, within a safe, convenient and very walkable environment.   We put a face on urban living. 

The result is Indy’s largest and most diverse neighborhood.  More than 20,000 residents now call Downtown home.  Equally as important, Downtown’s success generated positive momentum for the surrounding neighborhoods.  In fact, Indianapolis was second only to St. Louis with the largest percentage increase of young professionals who chose to live Downtown or the neighborhoods around Downtown, according to research conducted by CEOs for Cities.  There’s still more to do.  

If we work together, the future is bright!

I am excited for Indianapolis and Central Indiana.  I don’t recall a time, at least in the last two decades, that our community was more open to and engaged in embracing new leadership and new ideas.  The possibilities are endless.  The passion and energy of our own neighbors to build a better community is truly inspiring.  Examples of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things are everywhere…in business, in the not-for-profit world, in neighborhood, community and economic development.

Now is the time to stand on what Indianapolis does best.  Reach for the inconceivable, put agendas and egos aside, break down boundaries and work together to build powerful relationships, collaborations and results. 

Together we can continue to make Indianapolis a special place that we all are proud to call home.   

Tamara Zahn is the former president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. from 1993 – 2012. She is also the daughter and sister of residential real estate professionals. While an undergraduate at Indiana University, Tamara was the recipient of the F.C. Tucker Real Estate Award.