Near Westside

Neighborhood Park Upgrades
Building a Pedestrian Network
Existing neighborhood parks gain
visibility with new wayfinding signage,
landmark public art installations, and
flowering trees and shrubs. They also
receive new playgrounds and ballfields
to increase usage and visibility.
People increasingly desire a walkable, pedestrian-oriented
community. Unlike many suburban areas where streets
do not connect, the Near Westside has a street grid, a
fundamental element of connectivity proposed to be
enhanced in this vision.
ERNIE PYLE
ELEMENTARY
The dotted white lines illustrate the adopted Regional
Pedestrian Plan system, which includes primarily wide
“collector sidewalks” but also greenways or an off-road path.
This system generally follows the major roads where it is
unsafe to walk along the side of the road, or where there are
employment or shopping destinations or a bus line.
16TH ST
Central Greens Redevelopment
When implemented, the Central Greens
redevelopment will reconnect the
former Central State Hospital with the
neighborhood with new homes, cultural
amenities, retail and commercial space and
parks. The development will extend the
existing retail component of Washington
Street to Tibbs Avenue.
WENDELL
PHILLIPS
ELEMENTARY
The dotted black line illustrates a finer-grain system that is
proposed to connect neighborhoods to the larger system,
or to complete gaps in the system. This system may be a
sidewalk, off-street path, or even simply a “quiet street”
where traffic is calmed enough to allow people to safely walk
or bike in the street.
REV MOZEL
SANDERS PARK
Together, the system seeks to connect neighborhoods, parks,
schools, retail areas and the proposed rapid transit stop.
DENVER
PARK
EK
RE
FALL C
10TH ST
HAUGHVILLE
PARK
N
W
TO
WN
STEPHEN
FOSTER
ELEMENTARY/
MIDDLE
DO
AY
RKW
WHITE RIVER PA
LENTZ
PARK
NEW YORK ST
BELMONT AVE
TIBBS AVE
WARMAN AVE
MICHIGAN ST
WHIT
E RIVER
STRINGTOWN
PARK
LITTLE
INDIANOLA
PARK
TON ST
WASHING
HAWTHORNE
PARK
WHITE RIVER STATE PARK
G
EA
LE
CR
EEK
GEORGE
WASHINGTON
MIDDLE/HIGH
Cultural Retail Corridor
KEY LEARNING
COMMUNITY
K
EE
CR
New Village
EA
GL
E
The Avanti brownfield site, an existing junkyard
and the former Tibbs Avenue Drive In Theater are
reclaimed and reconnected to the neighborhood with
a new community park, retail village center, a large
employment office area and new homes. This village
connects a proposed rapid transit station with the
Central Greens development along a realigned Tibbs
Avenue. Together with Central Greens, this area
represents an unbelievable redevelopment opportunity.
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Rapid Transit Station
The Central Indiana region continues to study
the feasibility of a rapid transit system, and has
identified the downtown to airport corridor
MORRIS ST
as one potential leg of such a system. A stop
is proposed along Tibbs Avenue to anchor the
proposed new village and connect to the Central
Greens redevelopment. Higher-density housing
and a concentration of employment activity
support such transit use.
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HARDING ST
RHODIUS
PARK
KE
N
TU
CK
Y
INTERSTATE 70
AV
E
OLIVER AVE
Washington Street is home to the largest
concentration of Hispanic businesses in the area,
and this unique district should be enhanced
and marketed. Revitalized facades and a new
streetscape add vitality to the corridor and draw
visitors (and investment) from the entire region.
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This vision sees the Near Westside neighborhood as one with wellconnected, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods where it is safe and easy
to access parks, schools, retail centers and transit. Major streets are
reconfigured to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians while
improving their aesthetic appeal as well.
Existing cultural retail is enhanced and celebrated, making the
neighborhood the region’s premiere destination for Hispanic dining and
shopping. Elsewhere, historic retail areas receive façade improvements
to restore them to their former glory. Coupled with streetscape
enhancements, gateways and public art, the major corridors will be
beautiful civic places full of economic and social vitality.
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
Brownfields south of the proposed Central Greens development become
a new transit-oriented village filled with new higher-density housing,
a retail village, new parks and a large employment center all oriented
around a new rapid transit station. Coupled with Central Greens,
this represents the largest redevelopment opportunity and investment
potential in the city.
Neighborhood parks also see new investment, with beautification
enhancements and new playgrounds and ballfields.
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OW
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Employment
The Avanti brownfield site is just the tip of a much larger area that is ripe
for redevelopment. A junkyard along Eagle Creek and the former Tibbs
Avenue Drive In Theater present the neighborhood with a site nearly as
large as the Central Greens redevelopment immediately to the north. In
this vision this site is reclaimed and reconnected to the neighborhood with
new homes, townhomes, condominiums, senior housing, a new park along
Eagle Creek, a new retail village and a large office employment area. All of
this is anchored by a rapid transit station along a line connecting downtown
with the airport, which is connected to Central Greens and Washington
Street with a realigned Tibbs Avenue.
Village-style retail blends into
Washington Street and Central
Greens retail development.
CENTRAL GREENS
Tibbs Avenue connected
to improve access to new
development.
Single Family
Homes
Transit
stop
A
Alternatives explored a new
neighborhood with either single-family
homes or multi-family townhomes or
condos. Single family homes blend in
with the existing neighborhood but
a townhome or condo community
adds a new type of market to the
neighborhood.
Neighborhood extended
with townhomes and
other multi-family homes.
Office, research or technology
space provides new jobs and takes
advantage of access to transit.
A
A new retail village is centered on an extended Tibbs Avenue over Eagle Creek. It is
pedestrian oriented, takes advantage of its natural setting, and also connects the proposed
new employment center and housing to Washington Street and Central Greens retail.
Employment
C
New Park Along
Greenway
Senior housing takes
advantage of transit
access and nearby village
retail.
C
B
Transit stop
Medium-density townhomes
and condos take advantage of
proximity to new park, greenway
and transit stop.
The site of the former Avanti plant becomes primarily a
park associated with the new village, but the only building
of salvageable architectural significance remains,
transformed into either a new home or a small
neighborhood-oriented shop, such as that shown
in this illustration. It could also serve as an
Indy Parks facility for the new park. The
building’s reuse helps to maintain the
industrial heritage of the area.
Townhomes/
Condominiums
Transit
stop
B
The focalpoint of the new development is a rapid transit stop along a line connecting
Downtown with the Airport. The stop provides tremendous regional access to the site,
attracting people who want to live and work near such access.
Tibbs Avenue forms the backbone
of the new village district,
connecting Washington Street
with the transit station. It
would be a pedestrian-oriented
street, with buildings close to the
sidewalk, wide sidewalks with
street trees, benches and bicycle
racks, on-street parking and a
planted median.
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There are many historic retail buildings along major corridors like Washington Street and
Michigan Street. With appropriate renovation these buildings can again see new life and
contribute to a renewed sense of vitality along the corridors.
An outdoor marketplace
could be held summer days
in a greenspace in the village.
The marketplace would take
advantage of recent immigrants
to the neighborhood who have
a culture of entrepreneurship
and small business while
also celebrating the cultural
significance of the market in all
ethnic populations.
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Compatible infill
development next
door
New awnings upgrade
facade while reducing
cooling cost
Planters add color &
interest
Apartments & offices
on upper floors
Brickwork restored
Existing auto-oriented development can be mitigated
with additional landscaping, especially along the sidewalk.
Better pedestrian connections to the sidewalk can also
help.
Tree bump-outs define
parking areas & add
greenery
Retail on ground floor
Pedestrian-oriented
signage
Sidewalk cafe adds
streetlife
Windows reopened to
engage street
Sometimes it is simple as new awnings, windows and signage.
Boards are
removed from
windows,
storefronts
are restored,
inappropriate siding
is removed, and historically-appropriate
paint colors and awnings are used to
bring these buildings back to life.
The existing Hispanic shops and restaurants along Washington
Street form “cultural retail” cluster that should be taken
advantage of and marketed. Reduced
visual clutter and more coordinated
facade improvements help create an
authentic identity for the area.
New construction
blends into older
buildings with new
siding material and
paint, windows
reopened, and
new awnings and streetscape elements
added.
These historic
buildings near
Kroger are
reused for retail
and residential
uses. Facades and
windows are restored, while the center
building is rebuilt.
Windows are restored and architectural
detail is accentuated to add visual interest.
A new entrance and cloth awning bring this
building up to speed. Temporary banners are
also removed.
This pair of buildings have their original facade
uncovered, with new windows and window signage
replacing vinyl awnings.
Windows and Doors are restored, and cloth
awnings are added.
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The dotted white lines illustrate the adopted Regional Pedestrian Plan system, which
is a plan adopted by the transportation planning part of the City of Indianapolis.
This network includes primarily wide “collector sidewalks” but also greenways, and
in the case of Binford Blvd, a trail built in the wide grassy shoulder on one or both
sides of the road. This system generally follows the major roads where it is unsafe
to walk along the side of the road, or where there are employment or shopping
destinations or a bus line.
ERNIE PYLE
ELEMENTARY
16TH ST
WENDELL
PHILLIPS
ELEMENTARY
The dotted green line illustrates a finer-grain system that is proposed to connect
neighborhoods to the larger system, or to complete gaps in the system. This
system may be a sidewalk, off-street path, or even simply a “quiet street” where
traffic is calmed enough to allow people to safely walk or bike in the street.
DENVER
PARK
LENTZ
PARK
STEPHEN
FOSTER
ELEMENTARY/
MIDDLE
HAUGHVILLE
PARK
Washington Street (80’ROW Typical)
Michigan Street (85’ ROW Typical)
LITTLE
GL
EA
22’
Travel Lanes
12’
22’
Median & Left Turn
Travel Lanes
Lane
80’ Existing Right of Way
8’
Two-Way
Bike Path
HAWTHORNE
PARK
CR
EE
K
NEW YORK ST
BELMONT AVE
Central Greens
WARMAN AVE
TIBBS AVE
MICHIGAN ST
E
8’
Sidewalk
EEK
FALL CR
10TH ST
Y
WA
PARK
IVER
WHITE R
Together, the system seeks to connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, retail areas
and the proposed rapid transit stop. Fitting traffic, parking, bicycles, pedestrians
and street amenities requires choices--limited right of way limits what can be
accommodated.
REV MOZEL
SANDERS PARK
Central Greens
WHITE
RIVER
STRINGTOWN
PARK
INDIANOLA
PARK
TON ST
WASHING
WHITE RIVER STATE PARK
GEORGE
WASHINGTON
MIDDLE/HIGH
8’
Sidewalk
10th Street (50’ROW Typical)
New Village
RAPID
TRANSIT
STATION
KEY
LEARNING
COMMUNITY
EA
GL
E
K
EE
CR
TU
C
KE
N
ST
HARDING
RHODIUS PARK
KY
INTERSTATE 70
AV
E
OLIVER AVE
MORRIS ST
6’
Sidewalk
11’
Travel Lane
12’
Median & Left Turn Lane
11’
Travel Lane
6’
Bike Path
4’
Sidewalk
The neighborhood has a good supply of parks for
children to play and neighbors to mingle. This
will be further enhanced with the implementation
of the Central Greens development and the
proposed new park along Eagle Creek in this
vision. Existing neighborhood parks can be
enhanced to improve curb appeal with flowering
trees and shrubs, addition of landmark public art
pieces that draw attention, and by the addition
of new amenities like playgrounds and ballfields
that draw people and increased attention. Parks
located in the interior of blocks with little
connection to major streets can have wayfinding
signage added as well.
New gazebo
Primary Bicycle/
Pedestrian Route
B E L LE V I E W
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PL
50’ Existing Right of Way
Upgraded
baseball field
WALNUT ST
TREMONT ST
K I NG
AVE
Community
flower beds
New soccer
field
The planned Eagle Creek Greenway will also
enhance neighborhood recreation opportunities.
MICHIGAN ST
Public art
landmark
Haughville Park is upgraded with new wayfinding signage and a landmark piece
of public art that draws attention to the park from all directions, including from
Michigan Street. New fields, community gardens and a gazebo are also added.
3-4 Foot flowering hedge
defines park edges while
maintaining visibility.
ELDER AVE
MILEY AVE
New playground
equipment
A system of wayfinding signs direct people to parks located in the interior of the neighborhood.
Directional signs may be monument-type signs (right), or, where historically appropriate, painted on
the sides of buildings (left). The sign system reflects standard IndyParks signage (center).
New soccer field
WASHINGTON ST
Paved trail for walkers, kids
on bikes and rollerbladers.
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In an urban village setting, streets are a primary place where we experience civic life—where we interact
with neighbors, say hello to friends and meet strangers. Streets do more than simply move traffic, and
many different elements can be used to create a beautiful, pedestrian-oriented environment.
This folk dancer identity celebrates a traditional art form found in
Hispanic, European, and Appalacian cultures. It focuses on something
the diverse community has in common.
The Puzzle Piece identity symbolizes the importance of
individual “pieces” of the neighborhood are integral to the
greater whole neighborhood.
The Unity Pole identity symbolically illustrates five different colors
coming together as one. It focuses on celebrating individual
neighborhoods and cultures while showcasing how they come together.
Other street amenities include bicycle racks, benches and
special items like public art or the clock shown here.
Vintage lighting can be used to add character. On high-traffic corridors, changeable banners can be used to celebrate special events or seasons, but keep
in mind banners require periodic maintenance and replacement. In business districts, hanging baskets planted with colorful flowers can be used to add
color and greenery to the corridor--but again keep in mind the daily maintenance requirements.
Bus shelters should be provided on high-traffic bus routes. New development can incorporate bus shelters
into the sides of buildings, or by dedicating extra space to the sidewalk and fitting in a traditional shelter.
Where street parking exists, landscaped “bump-outs” at intersections provide a place for benches, public art,
and landscaping. They define parking areas by taking away one parking space, which also reduces the distance
pedestrians must cross.
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Washington Street (80’ROW Typical)
Michigan Street (85’ ROW Typical)
Limited rights-of-way require choices in what can be
accommodated. The “menu” of accommodations include
vehicle travel lanes, on-street parking, bicycle paths,
pedestrian sidewalks, and street amenities like trees, lights,
sidewalk cafes and landscaping.
22’
Travel Lanes
22’
12’
Travel Lanes
Median & Left Turn
Lane
80’ Existing Right of Way
8’
Two-Way
Bike Path
10TH ST
8’
Sidewalk
Landscaped island adds
greenery and reduces
distances pedestrians
must cross.
TIBBS AVE
MICHIGAN ST
10TH ST
BELMONT AVE
SA
VE
WHI TE
8’
Sidewalk
RI VE R
TIB
B
Gateways signify primary entrances to the neighborhood
along major corridors. Gateways may be signs, landscaping,
public art, intersection paving, some other type of constructed
marker, or a combination of several of these elements.
16TH ST
In some cases the choices may be easy, such as using
unused right-of-way to add gateway markers or street
trees. In many cases, especially on major roads, everything
we desire will not fit. Removing street parking frees up
places for bikes and people, but also forces a greater use of
parking lots.
Intersection is slightly
raised to slow traffic
and provide pedestrians
better visibility.
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RA
I LR
OA
D
GL
EA
Traffic lights are placed on
poles instead of wires to
eliminate visual clutter.
E
Intersection is
made of pavers or
textured concrete
to alert drivers
to pedestrian
crosswalks.
N ST
GTO
N
I
SH
WA
C RE E K
Gateway markers and
street trees beautify
intersection.
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