Downtown Indy could be transformed

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Downtown Indianapolis could soon get a face lift. And the design process won't cost the city a dime. Indianapolis is one of five cities the Environmental Protection Agency named in the Greening America's Capitals program. It is part of a program to turn the city around while creating models other cities can replicate.

A team of designers with the Environmental Protection Agency will come in and create a plan that will help transform the former Market Square Arena.

“We are pleased the EPA recognizes our vision to enhance the walk ability of streets and revitalize public plazas within and adjacent to the Market Square Redevelopment Area,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “This program will help create a cohesive plan to ensure that future redevelopment includes designs that expand economic opportunities while improving our urban environment.”

City leaders say the goal of the project is to “ transform the immediate area near the Indianapolis City Market and City-County Building into an attractive space that will promote economic development, provide more housing and transportation choices, and reduce infrastructure and energy costs with the design assistance provided from the EPA.”

The city had plans to build condominiums ranging from $200,000 - $1.7 million. Lesley Malone, spokesperson with the Department of Public Works says the Market Square Area is ideal for the project.

“The lack of development is what made it a crucial project in being able to increase our amount of green space and make it a more usable area for the city,” said Lesley Malone.

One idea topping the list is to use the space to create a central location for buses.

The assistance from the EPA is expected to save the city anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000. Ian Colgan, a consultant for Development Concepts, Inc says a few things have to happen for the project to be successful.

“The Market Square arena is a very prominent site and has been for years,” Colgan said. “As long as everyone aligns there expectation about what a project should be, look like and impact surrounding areas I think it will be fine.”

A conceptual design for the project is expected to begin later this year.