Bringing the Signia Hotel to life downtown involves various Indy business leaders

INDIANAPOLIS — A major hotel under construction downtown has been cited as the reason some conventions and large events will continue to return to Indianapolis.

The work to bring the Signia Hotel to life involves many diverse business leaders coming together to change the city’s skyline.

The city says the project helps small minority businesses thrive.

construction of the convention center pic.jpg — Construction of the Indiana Convention Center expansion and Signia Hotel in Indianapolis.

“I want to continue to be a trailblazer for women, especially in the construction industry,” said Ashley Collins of HG Metals.

HG Metals is one of several small businesses involved in the construction of the Signia Hotel downtown.

The $510 million project is expected to consist of a 40-story, 800-room hotel owned by the city and managed by Hilton.

The project is linked to the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.

“My mother-in-law, father and older brother started this business almost 20 years ago,” Collins said. “I learned it at the table.”

She says she hopes her work will inspire others and show them that opportunities exist.

Indiana Convention Center Expansion 2 — Construction of the Indiana Convention Center expansion and Signia Hotel in Indianapolis.

“I wanted to be a breath of fresh air for those who had a hard time getting started with this project,” Collins said. “I want to let people know that this possibility exists.”

The Capital Improvement Board and AECOM Hunt were instrumental in giving him and many other business owners the opportunity to work on the hotel.

The project includes veterans, women and minority-owned small businesses.

“It makes sense for us to have companies that represent all of society,” David Fredricks said. “We want to make sure these companies have a fair chance to participate.”

Fredricks is the director of minority and women’s business development for the city and says this project is an example of the free connections and opportunities the office can provide.

“Even though we have a lot of diverse small businesses here in the city, the challenge is making sure those businesses have the ability to participate,” Fredricks said.