OUR PAST. OUR PURPOSE.

A Historic Place

With a New Purpose

Once dedicated to service and care. The Grove at Cold Spring is entering a new chapter – bringing together education, innovation, and community partnerships to create opportunities from early learning through career development.

MEET OUR TEAM

INVESTING IN EDUCATION. TRANSFORMING LIVES.

A Vision Growing Beyond a Campus

Formerly home to the Veterans Administration hospital built in 1931, this 22-acre property is being reimagined as a cradle-to-career education hub for our community.

OUR MISSION

The Grove at Cold Spring is a welcoming place to learn, gather, and grow for the Northwest Community of Indianapolis and beyond.

OUR VISION

A thriving community where high-quality programming, innovative partnerships, and supportive spaces foster lifelong learning and economic mobility.

A MARIAN UNIVERSITY REID INITIATIVE

EARLY LEARNING

Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.

K-12 STUDENT SUCCESS

Improving literacy and academic achievement.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Preparing future-ready leaders.

ADULT EDUCATION

Empowering adults to advance their careers and their lives.

THE LEADERS BEHIND THE VISION

Leadership Bringing the Grove to Life.

Guiding the transformation of a historic campus into a place where education, opportunity, and community can grow for generations to come.

The Grove at Cold Spring is a key project of the Marian-led REID initiative, a collaborative effort to improve educational outcomes for all ages – from early learning, through adult education.

REID initiative leaders can help connect you with opportunities on the property & in the community.

Daniel J. Elsener

President Office of the President | Marian University

Daniel J. Elsener provides executive leadership and vision for Marian University initiatives that expand educational opportunity, strengthen community partnerships, and create pathways for lifelong learning. His leadership supports The Grove at Cold Spring as part of Marian’s commitment to innovation, service, and community transformation.

Chris Creighton

Vice President of Innovation and Growth Office of the President | Marian University

Chris Creighton leads the transformation of The Grove at Cold Spring, working alongside university, education, development, and community partners to advance the vision of a collaborative campus where learning, innovation, and opportunity can grow.

Diane Wade

Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, for the Riverside Education Innovation District| Marian University

Diane Wade supports the Riverside Education Innovation District by connecting with neighbors, organizations, and community partners to help create a welcoming environment where people can learn, gather, and grow.

A Legacy of Service. A Future of Learning.

The Legacy Continues

A Century of Service. A New Era of Opportunity.

From its beginnings as a place dedicated to serving veterans to its transformation into a center for education and community collaboration, The Grove at Cold Spring continues a legacy built around improving lives.

THE GROVE AT COLD SPRING – TIMELINE.

Riverside Selected

A Place Chosen for Service

The Indianapolis Riverside area was selected as the site for a new Veterans Administration hospital — establishing the foundation for a campus dedicated to service, care, and community.

1931

A Landmark Takes Shape

Groundbreaking begins for the Veterans Administration hospital at Cold Spring, creating a new campus designed to serve veterans throughout Indiana and beyond.

Decades of Service

Honoring Those Who Served

For generations, the Cold Spring campus provided care and support for veterans and the Indianapolis community, becoming a landmark built around service.

A Continuing Mission of Care

Serving Changing Community Needs

Over time, the campus continued its healthcare mission, supporting patients through additional services including tuberculosis care and mental health programs.

2018

Preparing for a New Chapter

After decades of service, the final patients were transferred from the facility, opening the door for a new vision for the historic campus.

2025

The Grove at Cold Spring Begins

Marian University acquired the property from the State of Indiana and launched plans to transform the historic campus through the Riverside Education Innovation District initiative.

2025–2027

Restoration & Renewal

Renovation work begins to preserve the character of the historic property while creating modern spaces for education, collaboration, and community impact.

SPECIAL THANKS.

Special thanks to the Cold Spring Innovation Corporation board

Special thanks to the Cold Spring Innovation Corporation board, dedicated professionals helping oversee property development portion of the REID Initiative.