Gov. Eric Holcomb still won't say who he wants to take his place after next year — his final year in the office — but he did tell Axios this week one thing he hopes his successor will do (or won't undo) once they take over.

State of play: Five serious candidates are gunning for the GOP nomination and the crowded race is getting aggressive and expensive.

• The hopefuls are U.S. Sen Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, former Attorney General Curtis Hill and businessmen Brad Chambers and Eric Doden.
• Plus: Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater are running.

Driving the news: Holcomb, who's term-limited, held his annual year-end media interviews this week.

The big picture: Holcomb said his administration has dedicated time to building relationships with mayors, county commissioners, town managers and other local officials — to work with them to develop priorities from the ground level, rather than taking a top-down approach.

• He pointed to efforts like his Next Level Trails grant program, an overhaul of the state's public health system and the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative as examples of state investment in locally driven projects.

What he's saying: "I hope that approach, most importantly, continues — with broadband internet, with trails, with other cultural amenities … things that before people would say, 'The state doesn't have a role in that.'"

• "Now they understand we need people to move here and stay here and the quality of place matters a lot."

The bottom line: With one year left, Holcomb is looking to cement his legacy, but an uncertain economic outlook and a field of GOP candidates running to the right and focusing on culture war issues could undermine that effort.

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One of Indianapolis' hottest commercial properties is pushing the boundaries of downtown, with more momentum on the way.

Driving the news: The Stutz building is attracting a flurry of office and retail tenants, while also becoming a trendy go-to site for events.

• Cafe Patachou and Amelia's Bakery are two recent additions.

The intrigue: It's isolated in a relatively dead area of downtown, bounded by Senate and Capitol avenues and 10th and 11th streets.

• You won't stumble upon it accidentally — you have to want to go there.

Yes, but: Early tenants are giving people plenty of reasons to want to go there, even if they aren't artists with studio space in the building.

• The complex boasts a trendy coffee shop (Barista Parlor), a bar (Turner's), a taqueria (Julieta Taco Shop) and a gardening store (Grounded Plant & Floral Co.).

What we're watching: New York developer SomeraRoad is planning to build hundreds of apartments adjacent to the building.

• Plus: More than $9 billion in development projects are slated for downtown in the coming years, per the IBJ, chief among them a $4.3 billion Indiana University Health hospital complex that will drive foot traffic south of 12th Street — and to the threshold of the Stutz in the coming years.

What they're saying: "That connectivity (with IU Health) will probably help get some leasing momentum," Matt Waggoner, a senior managing director for commercial brokerage JLL, tells Axios.

Go deeper

⚽ Westfield has signed a 40-year, $300 million lease deal with a consortium of companies called Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, resolving long-term questions about how the 400-acre sports park will be operated. (IndyStar)

💸 Indiana will have to tap into financial reserves after discovering a $1 billion Medicaid shortfall. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

💰 The most expensive mayoral election in Indianapolis history barely moved the needle on how, or where, people voted last month. (Mirror Indy)

🌮 Taco Bell Cantina plans to open Saturday downtown, regardless of a lawsuit filed by a nearby Taco Bell franchisee trying to block it. (IBJ)

🐾 Elderberry here!

I arrived at Indianapolis Animal Care Services about two months ago.

De-tails: I'm a young guy, just 1 year old.

• The shelter environment is starting to stress me out, so I'd love to find a home or even a foster soon.

What they're barking: The folks at the shelter say I'm a sweet guy who loves treats and attention!

Of note: All adoptions come with 30 days of support from IACS to help ease the transition from the shelter to your home.

Dig deeper: See Elderberry and more pets available at IACS and fill out an adoption application online.

Tell a friend about Elderberry!

👋 James here, with a personal note.

This is my last day co-authoring the Axios Indianapolis newsletter.

What's happening: I'm returning to IndyStar as opinion editor and columnist.

State of play: The Indianapolis media scene is having a wild moment and I'm thrilled to help IndyStar remain prominent.

Yes, but: Leaving Axios feels like something resembling physical pain.

• I've been a huge Axios fan for years.
• I'm thankful to have learned and grown here, in what might be the best media company in America.

Zoom in: I have deep appreciation for Arika and Lindsey, my partners in this daily newsletter grind.

• Arika is an outstanding reporter and a creative force. She has endless great ideas, which have made the newsletter a lot of fun (while introducing me to Field Roast hot dogs).
• Lindsey is one of the best editors I've worked with.

The intrigue: We are three opinionated, strong-willed professionals — and that has led to a few arguments, especially early on.

• Their perspectives made me better, and I'm grateful to call them friends.

Meanwhile, the feedback from you, our subscribers and members, has been the most enthusiastic I've ever seen.

• Thank you!

The bottom line: I'll cherish my time on this team, writing for you.

• I'll keep enjoying Axios Indianapolis as a reader.