What is a Complete Bridge? Well, if you are familiar with transportation issues, you have probably heard of the phrase “Complete Street.” A Complete Bridge takes this concept of a Complete Street and applies the same standards of safe accessibility for non-motorized transportation. Complete Streets policies are an excellent way to ensure that our streetscapes …
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to tour Miller House and Gardens in Columbus, Indiana.  This landmark is the result of 3 leading designers of their day working in synthesis with a 4th genius, a client who practically built Columbus in the mid-20th Century.  Let me say, if you ever have a chance to tour this facility, don’t …
Obviously not every old building in Center Township is architecturally distinct enough to justify a National Historic Landmark status; nor is every neighborhood sufficiently preserved in its original state to earn a National Park Service historic district recognition. But sometimes a structure deserves a little respect, because it captures the essence of what the neighborhood …
Last weekend, Indianapolis received its first-ever on-street bicycle corrals. Â They were installed in Broad Ripple, at the intersection of Guilford and Westfield. I contacted Kevin Whited from IndyCog about the project, and here is what he said: A little info on the Broad Ripple Bike Corrals: INDYCOG played a very limited role in the process. …
The proposal to remodel the former Monon Fitness Center building at 5301 Winthrop Avenue has taken yet another step towards satisfying some vocal opponents. Â According to Misha Rabinowitch, the attorney for the proposal, the project has been downsized again. Â Here are the details relayed to me by Mary Owens from the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association: …
It’s Friday, which means it’s a good time for an amusing post based upon the built environment. This is a stop sign that is completely enveloped by a pine tree in my neighborhood. It sits at the end of a driveway that services 2 houses, so the stop is already implied. Many of the small …
Have you ever been to an old downtown and marveled at the historic buildings? Have you ever wondered how they could create such beautiful buildings on such small budgets, compared to the placeless architecture we are told is barely affordable today? The truth is that those multi-story, mixed-use buildings lining the street were built by …
The study for Indianapolis’ coming bus rapid transit (BRT) lines will commence early in 2013. These will be the first rapid transit lines designed from the Indy Connect regional transit plan. Urban Indy has reported on this previously and details can be obtained here and here and here. Moving forward, the project teams will conduct an …
I was so happy to read this article yesterday on the former Irvington Post Office building, located at the corner Washington and Ritter. Â This is excellent news for a building that has been threatened with demolition for years now: Hope everyone has had a safe and restful holiday season.
Good urban design recognizes that the street has two sides. It doesn’t separate people on one side from shops on the other. Because in a world designed for automotive superiority, streets become barriers much too often. In short, a good street encourages jaywalking.