Indianapolis, IN

Answered: What if Indianapolis looked like this?

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Answered: What if Indianapolis looked like this?

We asked, and you delivered. Hundreds of you responded to our call-out in the newsletter and on social media for “What if… Indianapolis looked like this?”

We dug through the answers and pulled out a few that shared similar themes. As a reminder, this is meant to get a conversation started. We don’t have any plans (or the means) to develop gardens atop every parking garage.

Easier transportation options

Several folks called for easier travel + improved public transportation. What if…

“We had a rapid rail to and from the airport?” — Deb T.

“Indy had a light rail above the city that traveled as far north as Chicago and as far south as Louisville?” — Jules B.

“We had a subway? Driving brings down quality of life.” — Sheila

“Honestly an underground rail system that connects downtown to the airport should be a serious conversation.” — @chitwoodmedia

“We actually used the city canal for transportation? Like the canal narrowboats in the UK, as was originally intended. Boats for leisure, sightseeing, commuting, lodging, even food boats, etc. Would take work, but we’re dreaming here…” — @kylesbarnett

“Parking downtown was free? More motivation to go downtown.” — Laura

Economic development

Folks want to see economic development. What if…

“We had more downtown retail instead of empty apartments?” — Dawn

“Restaurants and shops were on the White River close to downtown? It seems good real estate for this area is not being used.” — Ginny

“We took an abandoned building site and turned it into a destination amusement park?” — Julie T.

What if the tops of the parking garages were event spaces with rooftop gardens?

Emphasis on more pedestrian-friendly spaces

There is a strong call for better walkability and bikeability. What if…

“More public rooftop spaces, more trails, and walkable paths with sidewalks…” — @hotwalkindy

“I moved to Indy nearly a year ago and have been shocked at the lack of sidewalks for residents. In my hometown, they have walking paths between many of the public parks to create a giant walking trail. My running group used them frequently, I walked my dogs, and I found a few new small businesses along the way while working to stay healthy.” — Penny L.

Green light for green solutions

We love that so many of you want to see Indy go green. What if…

“The roofs of restaurants were gardens so all of their produce was freshly harvested.” — Judy

“What about public gardens? The city needs more green space.” — @roseavenueliterary

“Indianapolis was a vibrant, progressive, walkable city with curb side recycling, native green spaces, and clean, safe streets?” — Anonymous

“Whe had more of a connected/activated downtown and White River? White River State Park is great but on the side of downtown is still very industrial. What if we redeveloped that land with pathways and open green space and maybe a pier/dock out into the river to activate the waterway for water sports and activities?” — @_abhammer

“Indianapolis cared about water and air quality enough to make them healthy to consume? It’d be nice if the White River lived up to its name again.” — @astralsolitude

White River State Park with pickleball courts — Some of you have asked us about pickleball courts downtown, so here’s what AI imagines.

There is a focus on community support systems, events, and a general sense of local pride. What if…

“Downtown Alleyways were turned into welcoming spaces with rope lights, art, delightful moments, pleasant smells (like Chatham Passage on Mass Ave), etc.” — Morgan S.

“Indy had a great live music strip?” — Martie H.

“They housed the homeless community in the empty jail downtown? Perfect accommodations — bathroom, showers, kitchen, shelter.” — Stuart R.

Get involved

Though you are more than welcome to always share your thoughts with us via our comments section or inbox about any local news, we encourage you to share those same thoughts in a way that brings about the changes you want to see in our city, whether you have a good idea for development or you’re in opposition to one.

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Indianapolis, IN

That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds

Published

7 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Press Room

That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated billion for Indianapolis, study finds

Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.

The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.

How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?

According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.

The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.

Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.

“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”

According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.

What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?

Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.

The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.

What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?

Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.

Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.

“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”

Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.

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Indianapolis, IN

New stores in Indianapolis include indoor kid’s playground, cafe

Published

18 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Press Room

New stores in Indianapolis include indoor kid’s playground, cafe

May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.

There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.

Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.

Openings

Monkee’s

8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March

Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.

The Nest Play Cafe

515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May

The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.

Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.

Forget Me Not Piercing Studio

5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27

A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.

Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square

1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May

Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.

Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closures

Vitality IV Bar

6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com

An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.

Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.

See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis artist merges forgiveness, healing and protecting water

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2026

Press Room

Indianapolis artist merges forgiveness, healing and protecting water

Carolyn Springer added streaks of light blue with her brush to the canvas. The streaks, representing light reflected through water, crossed over names written in chalk.

Forty-one names comprised the 11th layer of Springer’s “The Forgiving Sea VI,” an interactive painting that invites people to wr

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