Indy to Promote New Cultural Districts
Indy’s 2014 Strategic Plan Goal 6:
Encourage Citizen Engagement and Connection
People want to live in communities where they feel a sense of belonging, connection, and responsibility to their neighborhood’s well-being. Furthermore, people want to live somewhere fun. They want access to unique places and spaces that inspire creativity and camaraderie.
Key Action: Promote new cultural districts
Indy has six uniquely branded Cultural Districts: Broad Ripple Village, The Canal and White River State Park, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave and the Wholesale District. The Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission has successfully labeled, branded, and marketed each area. Indy will continue to promote and expand Cultural Districts and small business corridors, such as Irvington, 49th and Penn, and Holy Cross to name just a few.
Why is this important?
Providing unique cultural and living options for people looking to move into Indy is critical. Indy’s cultural districts offer different amenities and diverse opportunities to match the wants and needs of Indy residents. Local cultural districts and business corridors are attractive areas to target city funding to continue to grow and invest the districts. (emphasis added)
When will this occur?
This is one of Indy’s ongoing initiatives for citywide economic development.
How will this be accomplished?
Indy will continue to invest in and support the development of cultural districts and small business corridors. These areas have already proved to be successful in attracting local businesses and residents, and we should continue to invest in them. Additionally, as new areas in Indy are developed, it should be a consideration to create, brand, and promote a new cultural district. It is anticipated that a new cultural district around the City Market area will be unveiled
in Spring 2014. Additionally, gateway and street improvements will assist in identifying the Lafayette Square area as Indy’s “International Marketplace.”
