This is an exciting, unique opportunity for the city. I am eagerly anticipating the day when I can bike downtown on the Monon and then cruise down the Cultural Trail. Also, any project that takes its cues from the Project For Public Spaces is a good thing. From the trail’s official website:
INDIANAPOLIS – Construction signs, barricades and jackhammers now flank the Alabama Street corridor, as construction began today on the 7.5-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick. The Cultural Trail will be a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that will connect all six Indianapolis cultural districts and bring users to the front door of nearly every arts, cultural, heritage, sports and entertainment venue downtown.
Breaking ground today for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail was the project team, led by Mayor Bart Peterson and Central Indiana Community Foundation President Brian Payne, as well as the Cultural Trail’s community partners and major donors.
Mayor Peterson said, “Indianapolis continues to grow its reputation as a nationally renowned destination city for arts, culture and thriving quality of life. The Cultural Trail will take this effort to an entirely new level.â€
“This is a much-anticipated day for our city,†Payne added. “After working on this project for six years, it’s a dream come true for CICF to turn dirt and make the trail a reality that can be enjoyed by the residents of central Indiana and visitors from around the world.â€
Construction Schedule
Schutt-Lookabill Co. of Indianapolis was awarded the contract in March to construct the first segment along Alabama Street between North and Market streets. “Hardscape,†or the physical components of this corridor, will be complete by November 2007, with landscaping to be added in the spring.The entire project will be constructed in six corridor stages over three years, and is projected to be complete in late 2009.
There will also be public art placed at the corner of Vermont, Massachusettes, and Alabama. Looks kinda cool.