It is so easy to select images from the Cultural Trail for the monthly wallpaper. In terms of design, the trail really does raise the bar for Indianapolis and I do not mind showing it off so that people become used to this and begin demanding better. Cities all over the country should look to …
A few weeks ago, Mayor Ballard started a pitch known as the Neighborhood Investment Plan.  The plan calls for large investment in bike lanes, greenways, and sidewalks, as well as a similar amount devoted to more standard street projects.  I will remain neutral on the economics and politics behind the plan (and to be honest, those …
After many years of redeveloping the existing historic buildings, Fountain Square is potentially going to receive its first new multi-use structure. Â Milhaus has attained the property which was recently pitched as a gas station, and is proposing to build new apartments with 3100 sq feet of retail. Â The designs have been submitted to the Indianapolis …
Our metro area continues to argue about the need for and how to pay for public transportation expansion. Frustrating as it may be, we are not without some glimmers of excitement when it comes to deciding how we want to move around from point A to point B. If you have been paying even a …
For many Indianapolis residents, the local system of greenways has become a favorite staple of our community. It’s encouraging and exciting to think how far the system has come in the 22 years that have past since the Indy Greenways Foundation was formed in 1991. Over the course of the summer, the foundation has traveled …
It has been a few months since the city of Indianapolis announced its upcoming bike share program. At the time, there was a healthy discussion on our blog’s e-mail group about the potential for this bike share moving forward in the city. I thought now would be a good time to discuss the reasons I …
Have you been to McDonald’s lately? Been to the drive through? Have you been baffled by the dual drive through design that McD’s seems to be employing to shuffle customers through as quickly as possible? If you are like me, you have probably become confused by this design. With two ordering microphones, it doesn’t make …
Over the past couple of years, urban freeways through downtowns throughout the country have been closed for short periods for construction. Notably, Los Angeles has the distinction of using the term “carmageddon” to characterize the perceived chaos that might ensue from the short term closure of such important roadways. The latest downtown freeway closure to …
The urban advocates are nearly unanimous that our metro areas, in general, suffer from a dearth of good urban park space. Nonetheless, it is often hard to build much of an argument for new park construction, or the requisite land assembly. After all, most American cities are seriously lacking when it comes to density, and …
It has been quite a while since I have posted a downtown project update. Almost two years, in fact. Â With the beautiful day we had yesterday, Â I figured it was a good time to walk around and post some pictures of some newer developments in the city. First up is the first new building to …