A Legacy Rooted in Community

For decades, the JTV Hill Family Center has been more than a building. It is a place where mentorship happens, where young athletes grow, and where a legacy of community leadership continues to shape the future. Operated in part through programs like the Police Athletic League, the center has long served as a vital hub for connection and support.

When the Space No Longer Supports the Mission

Following its last renovation in the 1990s, the facility no longer aligned with how it was being used. Limitations in accessibility, safety, and visibility made it harder for staff and PAL officers to effectively support the kids who rely on the space. The building still held meaning, but it was no longer performing in a way that matched its purpose.

Restoring Purpose Through Design

The renovation focused on realigning the space with the people who use it every day. The layout was reconfigured to improve visibility, giving staff clear sightlines into hallways, the gym, and outdoor areas to enhance safety and connection. Accessibility upgrades included a redesigned gym entrance, a new ADA-compliant ramp, and fully updated restrooms that provide privacy and dignity for all users, along with a new exterior entry sequence. At the heart of the design, the mural of JTV Hill, the first Black attorney to pass the bar in Indiana, was preserved and elevated as a central feature. Surrounding elements draw from cultural identity, with Adinkra-inspired patterns symbolizing strength and perseverance, bronze accents referencing traditional craftsmanship, and a color palette that bridges the building’s history with Indy Parks’ identity. Functional improvements, including LED lighting, expanded storage, and durable flooring designed to reduce tracked-in dirt, support the day-to-day demands of the space.

A Place That Works for the People It Serves

The JTV Hill Family Center now better supports the community it was built for. Safer, more accessible, and more connected, the space allows staff, mentors, and kids to fully engage with one another. More than an upgrade, the renovation restores the center’s role as a place of belonging, ensuring it continues to serve future generations with the same sense of purpose it was founded on.