Military at Fort Ben

Fort Benjamin Harrison is the site of an army base established in 1903 and closed in 1995. Today, the Fort remains the home of the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), a facility employing over 4000 civilian and military personnel, which is the core to the economic life at the Fort.  The beautiful new Military Reserve Center and National Guard have recently been completed. The Post Exchange and Commissary centers are unique as the only facilities on a former army post. 

Fort Ben Re-Development

Since base closure, the historic homes have been renovated and occupied, high quality new homes have been built, and several condominium and apartment projects completed.  And, Developers have found the Fort to be a tremendous investment opportunity!  Redevelopment has included the addition of significant space for parks and recreation facilities.  In addition, the City of Lawrence offices, http://www.cityoflawrence.org are located at the Fort.  All of this has been accomplished within architectural guidelines that maintain the Fort’s historic integrity including the requirement for a “walkable” community.  Efforts are now focused on the projects that remain to complete “The Village”.  

Fitness Amenities at Fort Ben

The Fort is home to an outstanding State Park offering natures best including; walking, hiking, and biking trails.  The Fort Golf Resort, http://www.thefortgolfcourse.com, offers a Pete Dye redesigned golf course.   Also, streets and sidewalks support safe bicycle, running, and riding activities.  Several “runs”, including the Indianapolis Marathon, call the Fort home.

The Benjamin Harrison YMCA, http://www.indymca.org/centers/benjamin-harrison/facility-info/ is a fully equipped facility offering a broad range of programs for the youth and adults, including a state of the art outdoor aquatics center.

Fort Ben Educational Opportunities

Ivy Tech Community College http://www.ivytech.edu/ has a campus located at the Fort with emphasis on educating healthcare professionals.