Approved, not built yet
Metrobloks IND-A1 data center (Martindale-Brightwood)
Also called: IND-A1, Sherman Drive-In site
Metrobloks plans a data center with two buildings on a vacant 14-acre lot, the old Sherman Drive-In, in the historically Black Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. It would cost about $500 million. Many residents oppose it over pollution, noise, water and power, and some have sued.
Where things stand: Approved by the city in April and May 2026. Neighbors have sued. A tax break request was pending in 2026.
🕒 Latest update (Aug 19, 2026): Indianapolis passed a data center pause through 2027. This project is exempt because it was already approved.
What we know
- 📍 Where2505 N. Sherman Drive (former Sherman Drive-In), Martindale-Brightwood, Indianapolis, Center Township, Marion County
- 🏢 CompanyMetrobloks
- 🌳 Size14 acres
- 🔌 Where the power comes fromAES Indiana
- ❄️ CoolingClosed-loop cooling: about 19,000 gallons to fill the first building and 47,500 for the second, then reused
- 💵 Cost$500 million
- 💸 Tax breaksA package worth nearly $56 million was proposed in July 2026 (property and equipment tax breaks). The city's development director opposed it.
❓ Still unanswered
Nobody has answered these in public yet. Can you help find out?
- How many megawatts will it use at full build-out? 🙋 I'll find out
- How many diesel backup generators will there be? 🙋 I'll find out
- Was the tax break package approved? 🙋 I'll find out
- What did the court decide in the neighbors' lawsuit? 🙋 I'll find out
What happened so far
- April 1, 2026The Metropolitan Development Commission approved the project 6-2.
- May 2026Neighbors and the Hoosier Environmental Council sued to block the data center.
- May 4, 2026The City-County Council approved Metrobloks' rezoning.
- July 15, 2026A tax break package of nearly $56 million was introduced.
- Aug 19, 2026Indianapolis passed a data center pause through 2027. This project is exempt because it was already approved.
🛰️ See it from above
Drag the slider to compare the land before and now.
RecentRecent
We only know the town, so this shows the town center, not the exact site. Photos: USGS The National Map.
Where this comes from
- Indianapolis council approves data center for Martindale-Brightwood · Mirror Indy · May 4, 2026
- Metrobloks seeks nearly $56 million in tax breaks · Mirror Indy · July 2026
- Indianapolis data centers, explained · Mirror Indy · 2026
- Indianapolis data center moratorium receives final approval · Indianapolis Business Journal · Aug 19, 2026
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