Indianapolis

quincunx · PostAug 31, 2020#12020-08-31T23:40+00:00

They have about 600 sf of road per person the take of. 400 if you take out the state roads though yhey chip in for those too. That burden crowds out resources for sidewalks. And being so spread-out means it takes even more to achieve a goal of sidewalks everywhere. Thanks to fragmentation we can be blissfully ignorant of the scale of the burden here.

IndyStar- Indianapolis is missing some sidewalks. That could present an environmental challenge

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/env ... 598659002/

kipfilet · PostOct 26, 2020#22020-10-26T17:12+00:00

Just came back from a trip to Indy and I was very impressed with the density downtown. Lots of new apartment building construction, tons of retail, very nice cluster of cultural institutions and trail near the Canal. Parts of downtown Indy reminded me of a mini-DC.

Also, separated bike lanes/trails all over the city. Extremely easy to bike around, and a very well functioning bike share program (with docks that actually work).

framer · PostMar 01, 2023#32023-03-01T21:06+00:00

Ambitious plans for Indy's new soccer stadium and adjacent mixed-use district.

https://www.archdaily.com/997215/populo ... napolis-us

Deepredarchi · PostMar 01, 2023#42023-03-01T21:33+00:00

This is an exciting proposal in a part of Indy that needs it. Getting to or from downtown on foot wouldn't be easy, though, with Lucas Oil and the convention center and their seas of parking plus 4 - 5 lane one way roads in the way. Maybe they'll figure all of that out. Make it a part of the city, not an island!

dbehrens011 · PostApr 01, 2023#52023-04-01T04:33+00:00

In Indy this weekend. The amount of new construction happening is pretty remarkable. Here is a photo of some BRT stations.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Auggie · PostMay 15, 2025#62025-05-15T22:24+00:00

https://fox59.com/indiana-news/indygo-s ... -16-years/

IndyGo seeking first fare hike in 16 years; raise bus fare from $1.75 to $2.75.

chris fuller · PostJun 07, 2025#72025-06-07T01:53+00:00

Purdue reveals 50-year expansion plan for downtown Indianapolis campus
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/education/purdue-university-reveals-50-year-plan-downtown-indianapolis-campus-renderings/531-82bbe854-55b9-4802-9a53-6938d0e9a9ac

Auggie · PostJun 07, 2025#82025-06-07T02:03+00:00

Gotta wonder how many parking garages are in this plan. Right now, all the garages and parking lots they plan to build on are completely full during the day.

PostAug 22, 2025#92025-08-22T01:12+00:00

https://fox59.com/news/indygo-fares-on- ... -16-years/

IndyGo to raise bus fares from $1.75 to $2.75. Daily cap is increasing from $4 to $6, weekly cap is increasing from $15.75 to $24.75.

They are also ending 10 trip passes, 31-day passes, summer youth passes, and S-passes.

dbInSouthCity · PostOct 05, 2025#102025-10-05T13:45+00:00

I’m in Indy this weekend (Friday to Monday)

Downtown clean team

Downtown safety ambassadors

(although much smaller scale, they have 7. We have 30)
Addicts doing drugs at soldiers memorial

Downtown is bit mixed bag, the activity in a 2 block area around soldiers memorial is clear and all the steakhouses in the area make it evident that it’s a state capital. But there isn’t really much if any residential in that 2 block area, it’s mostly on outskirts of downtown.

The nighttime problems are far worse. Last night we got back to the hotel at 10 and kids on scooters were causing mayhem in traffic.

Indianapolis cultural train is a disappointment. It just isn’t much but a paved path. At my hotel it abruptly ends for a hotel valet line and later continues across the street

Auggie · PostOct 05, 2025#112025-10-05T19:00+00:00

dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Oct 05, 2025
I’m in Indy this weekend (Friday to Monday)

Downtown clean team
Downtown safety ambassadors (although much smaller scale, they have 7. We have 30)
Addicts doing drugs at soldiers memorial

Downtown is bit mixed bag, the activity in a 2 block area around soldiers memorial is clear and all the steakhouses in the area make it evident that it’s a state capital. But there isn’t really much if any residential in that 2 block area, it’s mostly on outskirts of downtown.

The nighttime problems are far worse. Last night we got back to the hotel at 10 and kids on scooters were causing mayhem in traffic.

Indianapolis cultural train is a disappointment. It just isn’t much but a paved path. At my hotel it abruptly ends for a hotel valet line and later continues across the street

And it's not even paved, it's cobblestone, which feels awful on a bike. That spot by the hotel is also a nightmare because no one expects a bike to be coming by, so they just walk out not paying attention or swing their door open, etc (I rode right past where your picture is hundreds of times going to and from work).

I would add that I always felt their downtown police presence was higher than STL, but that still hasn't stopped numerous mass shootings and even a killing inside the convention center.

I would also argue homelessness is a few ticks higher than in STL, always had people trying to sleep on the steps or by the doors of the building I worked at, Gainbridge Fieldhouse. I just haven't experienced the same in STL.

Overall, downtown Indy is still a few notches above STL though, certainly on reputation.

MikeKinSTL · PostOct 05, 2025#122025-10-05T20:19+00:00

In all my years, I am a transplant that met a lot of others like me. 20 years ago we attracted a lot of migrants from Indy, I have met fewer and fewer of them.

dbInSouthCity · PostOct 05, 2025#132025-10-05T21:46+00:00

Saw a cop in the street and I asked him about police dept merger, he’s a 40 year vet of the Indy city dept and he said it was a horrible idea but I think it’s because the much smaller sheriffs dept ended up taking control according to him

Auggie · PostOct 05, 2025#142025-10-05T21:54+00:00

dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Oct 05, 2025
Saw a cop in the street and I asked him about police dept merger, he’s a 40 year vet of the Indy city dept and he said it was a horrible idea but I think it’s because the much smaller sheriffs dept ended up taking control according to him

Not sure if you're able to, but less than 5 mins drive south of downtown and you're in areas that look like rural Jefferson County. IMPD covers both borderline farmland and urban downtown. It's less than ideal for sure. Obviously policies that make sense for certain parts of the city do not make sense for other parts, especially when you have such an extreme spectrum.

dweebe · PostOct 06, 2025#152025-10-06T04:07+00:00

dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Oct 05, 2025
I’m in Indy this weekend (Friday to Monday)

Downtown clean team
Downtown safety ambassadors (although much smaller scale, they have 7. We have 30)
Addicts doing drugs at soldiers memorial

Downtown is bit mixed bag, the activity in a 2 block area around soldiers memorial is clear and all the steakhouses in the area make it evident that it’s a state capital. But there isn’t really much if any residential in that 2 block area, it’s mostly on outskirts of downtown.

The nighttime problems are far worse. Last night we got back to the hotel at 10 and kids on scooters were causing mayhem in traffic.

Indianapolis cultural train is a disappointment. It just isn’t much but a paved path. At my hotel it abruptly ends for a hotel valet line and later continues across the street

Indy seem to have the scooter kids, motorbike/ATV groups and Dodge Charger turds a notch worse than us. Just my perception.
The area around IUPUI/west side of downtown has the same feeling the old Mill Creek Valley area here. Does anyone else know if that was a similar urban renewal clearance?
I am jealous of the residential and bars/restaurants immediately around their arena as compared to the deadness around Enterprise. (Also: even though just 4 years newer, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is much nicer.)
Am I missing something or is there anywhere else interesting outside of the general downtown area?

Auggie · PostOct 06, 2025#162025-10-06T04:38+00:00

dweebe wrote: ↑
Oct 06, 2025
dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑
Oct 05, 2025
I’m in Indy this weekend (Friday to Monday)

Downtown clean team
Downtown safety ambassadors (although much smaller scale, they have 7. We have 30)
Addicts doing drugs at soldiers memorial

Downtown is bit mixed bag, the activity in a 2 block area around soldiers memorial is clear and all the steakhouses in the area make it evident that it’s a state capital. But there isn’t really much if any residential in that 2 block area, it’s mostly on outskirts of downtown.

The nighttime problems are far worse. Last night we got back to the hotel at 10 and kids on scooters were causing mayhem in traffic.

Indianapolis cultural train is a disappointment. It just isn’t much but a paved path. At my hotel it abruptly ends for a hotel valet line and later continues across the street

Indy seem to have the scooter kids, motorbike/ATV groups and Dodge Charger turds a notch worse than us. Just my perception.

The area around IUPUI/west side of downtown has the same feeling the old Mill Creek Valley area here. Does anyone else know if that was a similar urban renewal clearance?

I am jealous of the residential and bars/restaurants immediately around their arena as compared to the deadness around Enterprise. (Also: even though just 4 years newer, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is much nicer.)

Am I missing something or is there anywhere else interesting outside of the general downtown area?

1. I tend to agree. Tons more scooters and loud bikers downtown there.

2. IUPUI's campus was historically a collection of urban neighborhoods, street car lines, all the works.

3. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is much closer to the core of downtown and better integrated than Enterprise. The Pacers have also put work into redevelopment in the area. It is significantly better than Enterprise and made me realize how the NBA would not seriously consider Enterprise as a long term home for a possible expansion franchise.

4. Massachusetts Avenue has some fun stuff, but it's technically in the downtown neighborhood. The Broad Ripple area also has some good stuff, reminded me of Maplewood or Kirkwood. Other than that, the city outside of downtown is rough. No idea why it's growing like it is.

TalkinDev · PostOct 09, 2025#172025-10-09T14:51+00:00

Yeah, the Mass Ave area is where downtown Indy shines. It is what Washington Avenue should (could be). A more walkable strip of neighborhood businesses and local restaurants that gets good foot traffic on the weekends for visitors, but also within a reasonable walk of Downtown workers on weekdays.

Also went to Carmel (northern suburb) on a very nice Spring Friday night, and it was kind of a New Urbanist fever dream, like Downtown Webster + Kirkwood on steroids. Families, couples, school kids all out walking around, dining outside. Multi-use paths with people strolling, riding bikes and jogging. Mixed-use buildings with apartments and busy restaurants. It was like an architect's rendering come to like. It was so suburban idyllic, it was almost creepy. If you every go to Indy, you need to check it out.

whitherSTL · PostOct 09, 2025#182025-10-09T15:51+00:00

People out and about enjoying themselves is creepy? Ok.

Auggie · PostOct 09, 2025#192025-10-09T16:01+00:00

TalkinDev wrote: ↑
Oct 09, 2025
Yeah, the Mass Ave area is where downtown Indy shines. It is what Washington Avenue should (could be). A more walkable strip of neighborhood businesses and local restaurants that gets good foot traffic on the weekends for visitors, but also within a reasonable walk of Downtown workers on weekdays.

Also went to Carmel (northern suburb) on a very nice Spring Friday night, and it was kind of a New Urbanist fever dream, like Downtown Webster + Kirkwood on steroids. Families, couples, school kids all out walking around, dining outside. Multi-use paths with people strolling, riding bikes and jogging. Mixed-use buildings with apartments and busy restaurants. It was like an architect's rendering come to like. It was so suburban idyllic, it was almost creepy. If you every go to Indy, you need to check it out.

Yea Carmel and broadly Hamilton County is like the "St. Charles" of Indy if St. Charles was run by people who aren't completely stupid.

The mayor responsible for what Carmel looks like is James Brainard, who was mayor from 1995 to 2024. He would be called a RINO by most modern Republicans and was more left-leaning than Slay was, or at least more forward thinking. STL would look way better if we were doing the things Carmel was doing in the 2000s and 2010s.

Carmel still has all the underlying disgusting issues that St. Charles has though. No transit system, overwhelmingly white and high income, they view their success as proof that Indianapolis is a failed city, still extremely car dependent, etc. Carmel's population growth has also slowed this decade as development moves further north, not dissimilar from St. Charles City.

GoHarvOrGoHome · PostOct 09, 2025#202025-10-09T16:06+00:00

4. Massachusetts Avenue has some fun stuff, but it's technically in the downtown neighborhood. The Broad Ripple area also has some good stuff, reminded me of Maplewood or Kirkwood. Other than that, the city outside of downtown is rough. No idea why it's growing like it is.

That is the power of a vibrant and invested in Downtown

PostOct 09, 2025#212025-10-09T16:48+00:00

Fountain Square is pretty dope too. Well connected to downtown through the cultural trail that runs down the excellently infilled Virgina Ave.

The cultural trail is still undoubtedly useful to get around on in addition to catalyzing development. They have a nice little system of other useful and or fun greenways throughout the city too which are decently connected together. The Monon Trail is amazing and runs like 20 miles from downtown to Carmel.

The drawback of these greenways is that once you get off of the system you are pretty much SOL. There was a closure on the Central White River Trail when I was down there over the summer, no detour, no nothing. We just had to ride the sidewalks of six lane roads until we could link back up to it. With that being said, they are continuing to expand their Cultural Trail/Greenway system and adding more and more protected bike lanes. They already have much more than we do here in STL.

Indianapolis IMO is a city that set itself up in a really bad position historically, but has been doing mostly the right things over the past 15-20 years. Somehow they have done this with one of the most anti-city state governments. Still a LONG way to go but I feel good about the trajectory of Indy.

Auggie · PostOct 09, 2025#222025-10-09T17:33+00:00

GoHarvOrGoHome wrote: ↑
Oct 09, 2025
Fountain Square is pretty dope too. Well connected to downtown through the cultural trail that runs down the excellently infilled Virgina Ave.

The cultural trail is still undoubtedly useful to get around on in addition to catalyzing development. They have a nice little system of other useful and or fun greenways throughout the city too which are decently connected together. The Monon Trail is amazing and runs like 20 miles from downtown to Carmel.

The drawback of these greenways is that once you get off of the system you are pretty much SOL. There was a closure on the Central White River Trail when I was down there over the summer, no detour, no nothing. We just had to ride the sidewalks of six lane roads until we could link back up to it. With that being said, they are continuing to expand their Cultural Trail/Greenway system and adding more and more protected bike lanes. They already have much more than we do here in STL.

Indianapolis IMO is a city that set itself up in a really bad position historically, but has been doing mostly the right things over the past 15-20 years. Somehow they have done this with one of the most anti-city state governments. Still a LONG way to go but I feel good about the trajectory of Indy.

Another drawback of the trails is that a lot of them were railroads beforehand and probably should have been made into transit.

Indy is an example of the positive results of having a merged city-county and having suburban counties that actually pay tax dollars that go into the city, as seen by Lucas Oil and the convention center both receiving food and beverage tax funds from all of Indy's "ring counties".

I still reject the idea that the city is getting substantially better for residents, however. Outside of downtown, where most people live, everything falls off a cliff. Streets are horrible, traffic lights are on wires, street lights are optional, sidewalks are an afterthought if they even exist. Bus network is extreme hub and spoke. Most of Indy looks like Lemay and will more or less continue to do so for many years to come, regardless of how many bike paths are built downtown or on former rail beds.

Edit: State government being downtown is also a massive bonus and the Indianapolis' business sector understands the necessity of having a vibrant downtown. Lots of factors playing into the positive perception of Indianapolis.

TalkinDev · PostOct 09, 2025#232025-10-09T20:56+00:00

whitherSTL wrote: ↑
Oct 09, 2025
People out and about enjoying themselves is creepy? Ok.

Not really a criticism, more like "this is too good to be true" vibe. I'd take it.

Auggie · PostOct 09, 2025#242025-10-09T21:10+00:00

TalkinDev wrote: ↑
Oct 09, 2025
whitherSTL wrote: ↑
Oct 09, 2025
People out and about enjoying themselves is creepy? Ok.
Not really a criticism, more like "this is too good to be true" vibe. I'd take it.

"Who is suffering for this to be so good?" vibes.

dweebe · PostDec 31, 2025#252025-12-31T23:11+00:00

People bid farewell to Circle Centre as the mall closes it doors for good
https://fox59.com/news/people-bid-farew ... -for-good/

The replacement: https://www.tractionyards.com/

Indianapolis

Indianapolis

Indianapolis

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