Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Riverfront Vision & Economic Strategy
Tourism Tomorrow (Visit Indy) engaged Hunden Partners to provide a third-party vision and economic strategy plan for the proposed Indy Riverfront Plan. Selected parts of the White River downtown waterfront were Hunden’s focus, where opportunities might exist for increased access; public art installations; a Cultural Trail extension; and other means to inspire visitors and residents to stay and explore the Indy Riverfront. Hunden reviewed existing planning documents, identified contributing elements of land use, and created a framework to enable implementation.
Situation
Hunden Partners worked with Tourism Tomorrow (Visit Indy) to conduct a third-party vision and economic strategy plan for the proposed Indy Riverfront Plan. The Plan is meant to guide the transformation of selected areas of the White River waterfront west of downtown Indianapolis into a pedestrian-friendly, culturally rich community and visitor asset, on par with some of the world’s most compelling city parks. As currently envisioned, the project encompasses the construction and/or redevelopment of four bridges for vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist use; dynamic illumination projects; public art installations; a Cultural Trail extension; improved connections between downtown and adjacent neighborhoods; and the associated economic opportunities these investments can generate.
Approach
Hunden’s role was to identify the commercial, experiential, and economy driving opportunities that inspire visitors to stay, explore, and experience the riverfront for extended periods. Key considerations included:
- Riverfront and trail-based commerce,
- Experiential development and programming, and
- Integration of arts and culture.
Impact
The Client recognizes the opportunity for this development and planning effort to reach beyond the proposed infrastructure components and to take a broader approach that considers economically viable destination assets along the riverfront. In order for the riverfront project to be the monumental success the city needs, on par with the impact of a stadium, convention center, or other transformative anchor project, the Plan must reach beyond iconic installations to integrate experiential and commercial development components that provide consistent revenue streams and act as major economic drivers.
