Historic District Gets Makeover 7.8.11

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS

One of the state’s first commercial districts is getting a makeover. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is constructing three projects in Fountain Square as part of Mayor Greg Ballard’s RebuildIndy initiative.
“With its restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and professional offices, Fountain Square is a desirable place to visit and live,” said DPW Director David Sherman. “Now it’s time to bring the infrastructure up to the same caliber as its attractions.”
The projects in Fountain Square are being done concurrently and all three projects are expected to be complete by November of 2011. Fountain Square Phase Two and the Shelby Street & Madison Avenue Bike Lanes are funded through RebuildIndy and cost approximately $5 million total; the Cultural Trail is funded privately.
· Fountain Square Phase Two- This project will return the “Pioneer Family” fountain back to Fountain Square in a newly constructed public plaza at the southwest corner of Prospect Street and Virginia Avenue. New asphalt paver sidewalks will be installed and the intersection itself will be resurfaced and restriped. In addition, storm water bump-outs will be installed at all legs of the intersection to improve drainage, adding sustainability.
· Shelby Street & Madison Avenue Bike Lanes- The Shelby/Madison Bike lanes will connect Fountain Square to the south side of the city by providing a dedicated bike lane corridor from Fountain Square to County Line Road
· Indianapolis Cultural Trail – The southeastern corridor of the Cultural Trail will run along Virginia Avenue and connect Fountain Square to the rest of downtown. The trail, which is a legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick, is a bike and pedestrian path that connects the north, south and east corridors of downtown.
“Only a mile and a half from downtown Indianapolis, Fountain Square serves a unique and fundamental purpose in our city,” said Mark Stewart, President of Southeastern Neighborhood Development (SEND). “I’ve always known about the amenities Fountain Square has to offer, but have also known of our infrastructure need. We are grateful that Mayor Ballard is recognizing that need and taking the initiative to improve an already great neighborhood in Indianapolis.”
Source: Office of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard
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