A Grand Public Space in Indianapolis
Civic leaders in Indianapolis are considering closing Monument Circle to traffic. Says one, "From a European perspective, this could be one of the great public spaces in America."
"'We're exploring whether the Circle can be so much better than it already is,' Payne [Brian Payne, president of the Central Indiana Community Foundation] said. 'A lot of us think it could. It has much more potential than what has been realized.'
Project for Public Spaces suggested a framework for turning the Circle into the 'center through which Indianapolis can create its future and showcase itself to the world.' The group delivered its report in April.
'Monument Circle is the focal point of the city and downtown and in many ways the entire state,' the group said. 'It is one of a kind and means many things to many people, but does not yet provide the regular reasons to come and participate in the space.'"
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
Related News Stories
Homeless at the Mall - Oct 24, 2008
Indianapolis: A Downtown Revitalization Success Story - May 28, 2007
Honda Puts Greensburg, Indiana On The Map - Jul 05, 2006
Master-Planned Mixed-Use in Central Ohio - Nov 19, 2008
Planning a Better Public Space in San Francisco - Nov 19, 2008
As a resident..
I live in Indianapolis, and this would be a great idea, but it'll take a lot more work than just blockading the road. This is a beatiful space, which is already such a pain to drive through that most people avoid it. The issue is that only roughly 30% of the groundlevel space is occupied by retail, restaurants, etc. Most of the space is taken by the grand entryways to the big finincial buildings, law firms, etc. Barring a significant reconstruction of all the real estate at ground level along the circle, there simply isn't enough space to accomodate the types of businesses that would make a pedestrian-only area successful.