Inspiration From Abroad

The excellent quarterly newsletter Carfree Times has been updated, featuring two innovative projects. The first is a massive-scale project in Abu Dhabi designed to be completely carbon neutral. It will combine ideas from the past (compact walled city) with ideas for the future (solar and wind power). It is obviously quite ambitious. The second is …

Thoughts on the Indy Star Face-off

The so-called Face-Off from the Indy Star’s Voices section ends up as a knock-out for the pro-mass transit crowd. The mass transit supporter’s article, while a bit broad, hit upon many of the key points for the future of our city, including pollution, funding, sprawl, and gas prices. However, the article from the supporters of …

Downtown Farmer’s Market is Back

Thus begins the season of wandering past the vendors and selecting fresh fruits and veggies (along with the best pastry place in town). Huzzah! A Downtown street will close to vehicles today to make way for vendors peddling fruit, vegetables and popcorn for this year’s first Farmer’s Market. The event, which will return every Wednesday …

Construction Begins on Cultural Trail

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 …

Green Building on old MSA site?

This could be big. A forward-thinking group has put together a proposal for the former Market Square Arena site which includes a green roof. Add to this a Target (the only big-box store that doesn’t make me physically ill upon entering), and suddenly living downtown would have a big draw that many believe is lacking: …

The Goose Market

This sounds like a great new option for the neighborhood. Crazy to think that about 5 years ago this area was a no-man’s land. From The Dish: To Market, To Market One small step for foodies, one giant step for a downtown that cries out for good grocers: Look for The Goose—a locally owned specialty …