It is often easy to get caught up in big ideas and big money. City, state, and nation-wide investments are all needed to really make an impact. However, recently there have been a few new smaller items that can also improve life for city residents. The first is this little bus stop bench outside the …
The suburban doughnut counties have had a long reputation as an area that is hospitable to vehicular traffic, and not much else. Â Carmel has been fighting that reputation for decades now, but how are the other areas in the region faring? In some instances, better than Marion County. Let’s look at one example from each …
Apartment conversions have to be among the most exciting trends for urban advocates, especially when the building that is being reused has been vacant for a long period.  That trend continues with this month’s approval (page 40) of 63 residential units at 1352 North Illinois Street.  This proposal asks for less than one dedicated …
Construction has quietly been underway at Hotel Broad Ripple, which is located on Westfield Boulevard, and set to open by spring of 2014. Â Exterior work appears to be mostly finished, as I was able to see on Friday: This project is downscaled quite a bit from their original vision first put forth in 2010, although …
Another week, another project proposal for the Virginia Avenue Corridor. Â This one is from Von Deylen, who also were behind The Hinge (one of my favorite new buildings in the city). Looks to be another solid addition. What do you think?
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 …
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 …
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 …
What happens when a large section of a city threatens to become obsolete? Â That question came to my mind after hearing Indianapolis’ DMD director Adam Thies mention that he was worried about the future of Pike Township at yesterday’s We Are City Summit. Â I was fortunate to be invited to the event as a media …