East Workshop Vision One

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Vision Summary
This vision is the most basic of the three visions, leaving virtually all existing buildings in place and using infill development to fill gaps. The area has many vacant lots and surface parking lots that can be developed with mixed-use buildings of varying densities. The Market Square Arena site would be contain two mid-rise office buildings for private or government use, as well as apartment buildings as recommended in the City's economic study of the site. All buildings would have ground-floor retail. The intersection of Alabama and Market Streets would be tapered to form an interior plaza, or the "new Market Square" and would provide additional outdoor space of office workers as well as City Market vendors and patrons. A new public park would be developed just south of the Lockerbie neighborhood to serve the growing residential population, while extensive landscaping would buffer the railroad and interstate from both residential and business uses. Wabash Street and Park Street would become key pedestrian corridors, linking businesses, residential areas, and the Downtown core. Along Wabash Street an artist district would build off of the existing Massachusetts Avenue Arts District to the north.  
 

Team Members
Leaders David Lewis & Tony Costello
Gardner Smith
James Zwissler
Kellie Malcolm
Missy Stull
Nicole Wolf
Ryan Seuss
Suzi Brenner
 
Vision Components
You can click on each image below for a larger view.  Images will open in a new window, and to return to this page, simply close the new window.  
 
Maps
Overall Plan
This image is the master overall plan.  Emphasis is placed on infill development and pedestrian/bikeway connections.


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The Urban Quilt
The "urban quilt" is the principal behind this team's vision.  Today and historically the eastside area was a mix of urban uses, including residential, light industrial, service business, offices, and city core buildings.  This area has always had a "mixed-use" character.
A "Bird's Eye" View
This image is an aerial "bird's eye" view of the team's vision, looking west toward Downtown.  You can see intensive infill development along with linkages to other parts of Downtown, and greenway or pedestrian links within the study area. 


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Market Square Arena Site
This team designed a new "market square" at the intersection of Alabama and Market Streets that would be bordered by the City-County Building, City Market, and two new mid-rise office or government buildings with retail ground floors.  The intersection would complement Monument Circle while providing an eastern anchor much like MSA did.  On the remaining parts of the MSA site would be mixed-use higher density apartments. 
The New Market Square
A new market square is proposed adjacent to the existing City Market, which would become a focal point once again for the East side.  The intersection of Alabama and Market Streets would be tapered to form an interior public square, much like the intersection of Market and Meridian Streets are curved to form the interior Monument Circle.  Additional retail space would be provided in new buildings across Alabama Street where MSA once stood.
Patch the Urban Quilt!
The organizing principal behind this team's approach is to use infill mixed-use development to "patch" the "quilt" of mixed-uses.  This plan preserves every existing building outside of the MSA site.  New buildings are planned for existing vacant land and surface parking lots.
Pedestrian & Bikeway Systems
Bikeways have become very popular in Indianapolis, with some  Indy Greenways carrying more people on some days than most city streets.  This vision sees the extension of the pedestrian system along Park and Wabash Streets in the study area.  The two streets would become primarily pedestrian walkways through the area, and portions of Wabash Street would become arcaded, somewhat like is currently done just behind the City Market.
Landscaping Plan
The interstate and railroad are heavily landscaped in this vision, not only masking them but helping to buffer sound as well.  The landscaping would beautify not only the neighborhoods and businesses near these areas but would improve the aesthetics for those who use the highway and railroad.
Parks and Squares
This map shows the location of new public spaces.  Besides the new "market square" described above, a neighborhood park would be developed to serve the Lockerbie area and new residential development.  The area currently has no nearby parks.  A wetland park is proposed where the railroad goes under the interstate, while numerous interior courtyards would serve as public spaces for apartment or townhome developments.
City Market Renovations
Wabash Street Arcade
As part of the Wabash Street pedestrian system envisioned by this plan, portions near the City Market would become "arcades," with extensive streetscape elements (lighting, benches, paving materials, etc.), landscaping, and retail activity.  
Indianapolis City Market
This image shows the current condition of the City Market's "wings."  Added to increase space for the market, the two wings flank each side of the historic City Market building.   
Opening Up
The current City Market wall facing Delaware Street is a solid brick facade with no windows...a very unwelcoming fortress.  This wall could be opened up to provide the Market with a new face as well as additional natural light.
West Market Wing
The market wings in this vision are redesigned to facilitate an improved "market experience."  The glass facades on both the east and west wings would be replaced with awnings and overhead doors to allow vendors to sell their products or produce directly onto the sidewalk or plaza.  In cold weather and after hours, the garage doors can be closed.
East Market Wing
A view of the east market wing with the same improvements described above.
Before & After Market Section
This diagram compares the existing glass facades of the two Market wings with the proposal to replace them with overhead doors to create a "market-shed."
Alabama Street Plaza Improvements
The City Market plaza at the corner of Alabama and Market Streets is redesigned in this vision.  The non-operable water fountain and street diagonal are replaced with a more open plaza, allowing more space for vendors, displays, and other public uses.
Street and Transportation Improvements
Wabash Street Pedestrian Section
This cross-section of Wabash Street shows how a pedestrian-oriented Wabash Street becomes the heart of a mixed-use and artist district area.  Stretching from the City Market to the Interstate, this street would link the entire area together and would be ideal for small shops and for artists to display their work.
View of Wabash Street
This sketch of what the Wabash Pedestrian Street would look like, with streetscape elements, artistic and festive elements, and mixed-use buildings housing artists in a live/work environment as well as some retail and apartment space.
Market Street Aerial View
In this drawing, the Market Street interstate ramp is removed and traffic uses the existing Ohio Street ramp or a possible new ramp system on Washington Street.  The drawing shows how Market Street could become a connection to the neighborhoods east of Downtown that are effectively walled-off by the interstate.
Market Street Trolley 
In this drawing, the Market Street interstate ramp is retained, and a portion of a Downtown light-rail trolley system links the area with the Downtown core and with the eastside neighborhoods.  This trolley system could also be rubber-wheeled in the beginning. 
Washington Street Section A
This cross-section of Washington Street shows the placement of a light-rail trolley system in the middle of the street, as well as higher-density buildings and streetscape elements.
Washington Street Section B
This cross-section of Washington Street shows the placement of the trolley along the street side, allowing easy boarding for passengers.  Both types of arrangements can be found in many major U.S. cities.
View of Washington Street Trolley
This view shows a trolley stop under the interstate overpass on Washington Street.  The trolley would be part of a much larger network linking residential and parking areas with Downtown and key entertainment or cultural venues.
Quality of Life Enhancements
Live/Work Developments
This vision sees the creation of a live/work artist neighborhood along Wabash Street.  This location takes advantage of its proximity to the Mass. Ave. arts area as well as the City Market and the rest of  Downtown.  Artists would live in one part of the apartment or home while having a workspace and gallery in another part facing the street.  This provides for display space as well as great public interaction with the artists.
Cole Automobile Museum
The Cole Motor Car Company built automobiles in Indianapolis until 1925.  The Cole building is today reused as one of the Marion County Jails.  This vision seeks to celebrate the heritage of this area by developing a museum of Cole cars.
Cole Museum and Wetland Park
This image shows the Cole Automobile Museum as well as a view of the proposed Wetland park and heavy interstate landscaping.  
Lockerbie Neighborhood Park
The Lockerbie Neighborhood, one of Downtown's oldest and best-preserved neighborhoods, currently lacks a park.  New residential areas under development as well as proposed future development require some form of public space for residents to relax and children to play.  The park would be located just south of the Lockerbie Neighborhood.  The parks map above provides a detailed location.
Lockerbie Neighborhood Park Section
This cross-section of the park shows how the park can relate to homes, apartments, or townhomes, and also the mix of activities that can be provided, such as open lawn/field, pathways, and active playground areas.
East Street Commercial
This sketch shows the development of East Street as a more pedestrian-friendly shopping street.  Building off of connections to the Mass. Avenue Arts District, the Lockerbie and new neighborhoods, and the City Market, East Street could have a variety of small shops.
Hall of Infamy
The east-side is currently home to three public and private jails, as well as the headquarters for the police department and many courts.  A "Hall of Infamy" museum showcasing infamous criminals in the history of the U.S. could bring  some positive light to this unfortunate east-side industry.