Parkview Tower, the nine-story public-housing building on Fischer Drive in New Albany, is finally coming down next week, the New Albany Housing Authority says. The high-rise has sat fenced off since a March 2025 fire left the structure badly damaged and forced dozens of residents from their homes. Neighbors and city officials say demolition will clear an eyesore that has loomed over the neighborhood for more than a year.
Demolition timeline and contractor
According to News and Tribune, work is scheduled to begin Monday, with Indianapolis-based Renascent, Inc. handling the demolition. The housing authority estimates the physical teardown and site clearance will take about 45 days and cost roughly $1.5 million.
Fire that precipitated the decision
The building was gutted in a March 22, 2025 blaze that triggered a large-scale evacuation and left the tower uninhabitable. WDRB reported the March fire hospitalized 23 people and displaced about 50 residents.
Permits, hazards and safety steps
Public procurement and environmental documents from the New Albany Housing Authority show an asbestos inspection was completed ahead of the project, and bidders were required to include asbestos abatement, utility capping and site stabilization in their proposals for Parkview Tower at 125 Fischer Drive. As outlined by the authority's inspection report, the project must comply with asbestos rules and notifications. Indiana's Department of Environmental Management requires advance notice and certified abatement for regulated asbestos before demolition. New Albany Housing Authority reviewed the inspection, and IDEM explains the state-level NESHAP requirements.
Residents and next steps
After the March fire, the housing authority put a relocation plan in motion and moved displaced households into short-term housing and local hotels while longer-term options were arranged. WAVE3 reported that NAHA coordinated with local hotels and partners to shelter affected residents. Officials say redevelopment plans for the cleared lot will be discussed after the site is stabilized.
Once the high-rise is gone, demolition will leave a cleared lot that city officials and NAHA can use to plan the next phase for the property, but a formal replacement plan has not yet been released. We will continue to monitor updates from the authority and the contractor once crews mobilize and site work begins.
