Georgia Street project aims to revitalize key downtown public space

Georgia Street renovations are in full swing right outside the Indiana Convention Center downtown. The city-supported project aims to reimagine a new, vibrant public space along a key stretch in the downtown core.

Megan Vukusich, director of the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, said many visitors end up along Georgia Street, which is anchored by Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the convention center.

“If this is the first stop that they're making in our city," Vukusich said, "then we're also seeing so much development happening on Georgia Street. Another thing that we're focusing on downtown is creating these new public spaces that really support economic development.”

Major projects along Georgia Street include the new Signia Hotel that is under construction and the revitalization of Circle Centre Mall.

Georgia Street received its most recent makeover in 2012 for the Super Bowl. The public space created boardwalks, overhead shade system, seating and has been consistently used for large downtown events over the years.

Chris Merritt, principal architect for Merritt Chase, has contracted with the city on the street design. He said they’re trying to build on that legacy investment.

“So with the West Block in particular, it will transform from what is still essentially a street today to a more park-like environment,” Merritt said.

Plans for the western section of the street makeover include more trees, greenspace, canopies and flexible plaza spaces. The section of street will be closed to traffic on a day-to-day basis with lanes accessible if needed.

One of the goals of the $9.1 million project is to create a safer, more walkable environment in line with downtown connectivity plans.

“A big aim of that was to think about our streets and public infrastructure and provide better pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure,” Merritt said.

Vukusich said the project has a lot of support from developers and businesses as an economic driver.

“It makes the space more attractive for local businesses as they’re trying to fill those tenant spaces as they’re looking at redevelopment options,” Vukusich said.

The project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026.