Downtown Indianapolis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Downtown Indianapolis
Neighborhood area
Downtown Indianapolis in 2016
Nickname(s):  "Downtown Indy"
Location of Downtown within Indianapolis–Marion County, Indiana
Country	United States
State	Indiana
County	Marion
Township	Center
City	Indianapolis
Population  (2020)
• Total	22,412
Time zone	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code	46202, 46203, 46204, 46225
Area code(s)	317 / 463

Downtown Indianapolis is a neighborhood area and the central business district of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Downtown is bordered by Interstate 65, Interstate 70, and the White River, and is situated near the geographic center of Marion County. Downtown has grown from the original 1821 town plat—often referred to as the Mile Square—to encompass a broader geographic area of central Indianapolis, containing several smaller historic neighborhoods.

Downtown Indianapolis is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Downtown Indianapolis anchors the city's burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector, home to nearly 8,000 hotel rooms and several of the city's major sporting and event facilities. Downtown contains numerous historic districts and properties, most of the city's memorials and monuments, performing arts venues, and museums. Since its founding in 1820, the seats of Indianapolis's local administration and Indiana's state government have been located Downtown. Downtown Indianapolis is also home to the highest density of commercial office space and employment in the state of Indiana.

Location and boundaries

Aerial of Downtown Indianapolis in 2016

When Indianapolis was founded in 1820, the new capital city was planned to occupy an area of one square mile (2.6 km²) adjacent to the White River and near the geographic center of Marion County. The plat included eastern and western "anchors": the Indiana Statehouse (west) and the Indianapolis City Market and Marion County Courthouse (east), respectively. As the population increased and the city matured, the original plat continued to densify, developing into the region's central business district.

The city's historical core and present-day central business district is sometimes referred to as the "Mile Square". However, the Downtown "neighborhood area" defines a broader geography, incorporating an area bounded by 16th Street and Interstate 65 (north), Interstate 65/70 (east), Interstate 70 (south), and the White River (west). Downtown is generally bisected into four quadrants, divided by Meridian Street (north to south) and Washington Street (east to west).(about 7 square miles)

Downtown Indianapolis is sited on flat terrain near the confluence of the White River and Fall Creek. Pogue's Run, a smaller tributary of the White River, flows beneath Downtown. The waterway was channeled into a sanitary tunnel in 1914.

Neighborhoods and districts

Downtown Indianapolis contains 36 apartment buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Apartments and Flats of Downtown Indianapolis Thematic Resources. Entries in italics denote designated cultural districts.

History

Alexander Ralston's "Plat of the Town of Indianapolis" is referred to as the "Mile Square"

Circle Park, prior to construction of the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument, looking west toward the Indiana Statehouse, ca. 1882

Downtown Indianapolis dates to the city's founding as the state of Indiana's new capital in 1820 near the east bank of the White River. The state legislature appointed Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham to survey and design a town plan for Indianapolis, which was platted in 1821. Ralston's original plan for Indianapolis called for a town of one square mile (2.6 km²) bounded by North, East, South, and West streets (although they were not named at that time), with Governor's Circle, a large circular commons, at the center of town.

Ralston's grid pattern with wide roads and public squares extended outward from the four blocks adjacent to the Circle, and also included four diagonal streets, later renamed as avenues. Public squares were reserved for government and community use, but not all of these squares were used for this intended purpose. Ralston altered the grid pattern in the southeast quadrant to accommodate the flow of Pogue's Run, but a plat created in 1831 changed his original design and established a standard grid there as well.

Ralston's basic street plan is still evident in present-day Downtown Indianapolis. Streets in the original plat were named after states that were part of the United States when Indianapolis was initially planned, with the addition of Michigan, which was a U.S. territory at that time. Tennessee and Mississippi Streets were renamed Capitol and Senate Avenues in 1895 after several state government buildings were built west of the Circle near the Indiana Statehouse. There are a few other exceptions to the early street names. The National Road, which eventually bisected Indiana, passed through Indianapolis along Washington Street, a 120-foot-wide (37 m) east–west street (more recently converted into a one-way westbound street west of New Jersey Street) located one block south of the Circle. The city's address numbering system begins at the intersection of Washington and Meridian streets. Meridian and Market Streets intersect the Circle. Few street improvements were made in the 1820s and 1830s; sidewalks did not appear until 1839 or 1840.

In the last half of the nineteenth century, when the city's population soared from 8,091 in 1850 to 169,164 in 1900, urban development expanded in all directions as Indianapolis experienced a building boom and transitioned from an agricultural community to an industrial center. Some of the city's most iconic structures were built during this period, including several that have survived to the present day in Downtown: the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (1888, dedicated 1902), the Indiana Statehouse (1888), Union Station (1888), and the Das Deutsche Haus (1898), among others.

Following World War II, expansion of the American middle class, suburbanization, and declining manufacturing employment greatly impacted Downtown Indianapolis, similar to most U.S. central business districts at this time. Urban renewal projects of this era hastened the central business district's decline, particularly the clearance of working-class neighborhoods. The neighborhoods surrounding Indiana Avenue, the center of the city's African American community, were particularly impacted. The establishment of the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus in 1969 and the construction of Interstate 65 and Interstate 70 in the 1960s and 1970s resulted in large-scale displacement of African Americans.

Market Square Arena (left) was the result of one of the first downtown revitalization projects, completed in 1974. The Hoosier Dome (right) opened in 1984.

The loss of population and activity Downtown prompted civic leaders to plan for economic development and revitalization of the area. Among the first projects was the opening of Market Square Arena, which served as home to the Indiana Pacers and host to numerous concerts and other sporting events. The success of Market Square Arena helped persuade decision-makers to make Downtown the center of an aggressive sports tourism strategy. Throughout the 1980s, $122 million in public and private funding built several athletic facilities Downtown, including the Indianapolis Tennis Center, Indiana University Natatorium, Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium, and the Hoosier Dome. The latter project helped secure the 1984 relocation of the Baltimore Colts, the 1987 Pan American Games, and scores of subsequent athletic events of national and international interest.

Modern skyscraper construction catapulted Downtown office and commercial space in the 1980s. A building boom, lasting from 1982 to 1990, saw the construction of six of the city's ten tallest buildings. These included OneAmerica Tower (1982), Fifth Third Bank Tower (1983), Capital Center South Tower (1987), BMO Plaza (1988), Market Tower (1988), 300 North Meridian (1989), and the tallest, Salesforce Tower (1990).

The non-profit Downtown Indy, Inc. was established in 1993 to help promote economic development, beautification, and program events. Reinvestment continued through the 1990s, with the continued buildout of White River State Park museums and attractions, development of the Canal Walk, Circle Centre Mall (1995), Victory Field (1996), and Gainbridge Fieldhouse (1999).

360 Market Square, completed amid the 2010s apartment boom

The city's successful sports tourism campaign provided local leadership with a template for increasing Downtown's capacity to host conventions and trade shows. Two of the city's tallest buildings to be completed in the 21st century, Conrad Indianapolis (2006) and the JW Marriott Indianapolis (2011), are hotels. Following the opening of Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008, the Indiana Convention Center completed its largest expansion in 2011.

In the 2010s, Downtown experienced increased demand for housing. Numerous mixed-use and apartment buildings were developed during this time. According to Downtown Indy, Inc., the number of apartment units Downtown increased 61 percent from 2011 to 2015, with more than 50 percent of new development occurring inside the Mile Square. In 2010, the population of Downtown was 14,664; by 2020, the population had increased to 22,412.

Economy

Downtown is the densest employment cluster in the state of Indiana. According to Downtown Indy, Inc., in 2021, there were about 154,500 workers. According to Colliers International, the central business district commercial office market contained 11.8 million square feet (1,100,000 m²) of office space, with a direct vacancy rate of 16.9 percent in 2017.

Downtown Indianapolis is home to two of the city's three Fortune 500 companies: health insurance company Elevance Health and pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. Other prominent downtown employers include AES Indiana, Cummins, Rolls-Royce, Indiana University, IU Health, Angi, Barnes & Thornburg, Emmis Corporation, the Indianapolis Star, OneAmerica Financial Partners, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Simon Property Group, and Salesforce.

Leisure and hospitality

JW Marriott Indianapolis houses the most hotel rooms in the city, with 1,005.

The hospitality industry is an increasingly vital sector to the Indianapolis economy, especially downtown. According to Visit Indy, 28.2 million visitors generated $4.9 billion in 2015, the fourth straight year of record growth. Indianapolis has long been a sport tourism destination, but has more recently relied on conventions. The Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium are considered mega convention center facilities, with a combined 750,000 square feet (70,000 m²) of exhibition space. ICC is connected to 12 hotels and 4,700 hotel rooms, the most of any U.S. convention center. In 2008, the facility hosted 42 national conventions with an attendance of 317,815; in 2014, it hosted 106 for an attendance of 635,701.

Most hotels are clustered in the blocks immediately adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center in downtown's southwest quadrant. According to Downtown Indy, Inc., there are 34 hotels with a total of 7,839 hotel rooms. Notable hotels include:

• The Columbia Club
• Conrad Indianapolis
• Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown
• Hilton Indianapolis
• Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
• Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
• JW Marriott Indianapolis
• Le Méridien Indianapolis Hotel
• Omni Severin Hotel

Attractions

Recent developments in downtown Indianapolis include the construction of new mid- to high-rise buildings and the $275 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center completed in 2011. After 12 years of planning and six years of construction, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail officially opened in 2013. The $62.5 million public-private partnership resulted in 8 miles (13 km) of urban bike and pedestrian corridors linking six cultural districts with neighborhoods, IUPUI, and every significant arts, cultural, heritage, sports and entertainment venue downtown.

Dining

Nightlife along Meridian Street in the Wholesale District

Notable independent establishments such as St. Elmo Steak House and Slippery Noodle Inn mix with chains in the blocks surrounding Circle Centre Mall in downtown's Wholesale District. Massachusetts Avenue, one of the city's original diagonal streets, is lined with numerous local bars and eateries. Anchoring downtown's Market East district, the Indianapolis City Market features dozens of local food vendors that generally serve lunchtime patrons. Sun King Brewing is located about five blocks east in the neighboring Cole-Noble District. Since the 2010s, downtown's Fletcher Place neighborhood emerged as a popular dining destination.

Entertainment

Athletics

Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis's professional sports clubs and facilities are located downtown south of Washington Street, including Gainbridge Fieldhouse (home to the Indiana Fever and the Indiana Pacers), Lucas Oil Stadium (home to the Indianapolis Colts), and Victory Field (home to the Indianapolis Indians). Other notable venues are located on the Indiana University Indianapolis campus in the northwestern section of downtown. The IU Indy Jaguars compete at the IUPUI Gymnasium, Indiana University Natatorium, and Carroll Stadium. The latter is also home to the Indy Eleven, the city's second-tier men's professional soccer team.

Performing arts

A concert at the Old National Centre

Monuments and memorials

Indiana World War Memorial

Note: For an overview and complete list of all memorials and monuments on the grounds of Indiana Government Center, see Indiana Statehouse Public Art Collection.

Museums and libraries

Central Library overlooking the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza

Museums and libraries with collections of local, state, and national interest can be found in downtown Indianapolis, including the Indiana Historical Society and Indiana State Museum (both located on the downtown Canal Walk) and the state's largest public library, the Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau, is also located nearby at the intersection of Ohio Street and Senate Avenue. Neighboring White River State Park contains the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

Indiana Avenue, in downtown's northwest quadrant, is home to Crispus Attucks High School and Museum and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. Located in downtown's northeast quadrant, the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District is home to the Indianapolis Firefighters Museum and James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. Rhythm! Discovery Center is located in the Claypool Court near the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets.

Two of the city's three major Masonic landmarks—the Indianapolis Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral—share the block of North Street between Meridian and Illinois streets. Immediately east across Meridian Street is the Indianapolis Public Library's Central Library and the five-block Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, home to the American Legion's Emil A. Blackmore Museum, the Indiana World War Memorial Military Museum, and the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.

Public spaces

Monument Circle's public space serves as a hub for civic life in Indianapolis

In 2021, downtown Indianapolis contained about 340 acres (140 ha) across 28 parks and plazas. The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza encompasses three distinct downtown greenspaces: American Legion Mall, Veterans Memorial Plaza, and University Park. The Indianapolis Canal Walk also includes three pocket parks: Community Service Plaza, Vermont Street Plazas, and Walnut Street Commons. Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the newest public space downtown, opened in 2023.

Note: Entries in italics denote privately-owned parks and plazas or those not under the management of the State of Indiana or the City of Indianapolis.

Public art

Education

Downtown's northwest quadrant is home to Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. IUPUI enrolls about 30,000 students in 450 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs offered by 17 schools. Notable schools on the campus include the Herron School of Art and Design, Kelley School of Business, McKinney School of Law, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical school in the U.S.

Two public schools belonging to Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) serve the downtown area: Center for Inquiry School 2 and Crispus Attucks High School. In partnership with IPS, the Simon Youth Foundation operates Simon Youth Academy at Circle Centre Mall, an alternative school for eleventh and twelfth grade students. One private school, Lumen Christi Catholic School, is located in the southeast quadrant of downtown in Fletcher Place.

Hospitals

IU Health University Hospital and related academic buildings of the IU School of Medicine

Downtown's northwest quadrant is home to the largest cluster of healthcare facilities in the region. Indiana University Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine form an academic medical center that includes University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children in an area roughly bounded by 10th Street (north), Michigan Street (south), University Boulevard (east), and Riley Hospital Drive (west). IU Health Methodist Hospital is located on 16th Street in the neighboring Near Northside.

The city's primary public medical centers, Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, are situated immediately west of the Indiana University Medical Center in an area bounded by 10th Street (north), Michigan Street (south), Eskenazi Avenue (east), and Porto Alegre Street (west).

Transportation

Downtown Indianapolis has been the regional transportation hub for central Indiana since its establishment. The first major federally funded highway in the U.S., the National Road (now Washington Street), reached Indianapolis in 1836, followed by the railroad in 1847. Indianapolis Union Station opened in 1853 as the world's first union station. Citizen's Street and Railway Company was established in 1864, operating the city's first mule-drawn streetcar line. Opened in 1904 on Market Street, the Indianapolis Traction Terminal was the largest interurban station in the world, handling 500 trains daily and 7 million passengers annually. Ultimately doomed by the automobile, the terminal closed in 1941, followed by the streetcar system in 1957.

Two of the region's four interstate highways (Interstate 65 and Interstate 70) form an "inner loop" on the north, east, and south sides of downtown Indianapolis. I-65 and I-70 radiate from downtown to connect with the "outer loop," a beltway called Interstate 465.

An IndyGo Red Line battery-electric bus arrives at 9th Street Station

IndyGo operates the city's public transit network, with downtown Indianapolis serving as the region's hub and spoke origin. In 2016, the Julia M. Carson Transit Center opened as the downtown hub for 27 of its 31 bus routes. The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority is headquartered in downtown Indianapolis. The quasi-governmental agency provides commuter bus service and oversees regional carpool and vanpool programs.

Downtown Indianapolis continues to be the city's intercity transportation hub. Amtrak provides intercity rail service via the Cardinal, which makes three weekly trips between New York City and Chicago. Union Station served about 30,000 passengers in 2015. Three intercity bus service providers stop in the city: Greyhound Lines and Burlington Trailways (via Union Station), and Megabus (via City Market).

The Indianapolis Airport Authority operates the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, which opened for public use in 1979.

Utilities

AES Indiana, the city's electricity provider, is headquartered on Monument Circle. Citizens Energy Group's Perry K. Generating Station burns natural gas to produce steam to provide heat and hot water to 200 customers as part of the downtown district heating system.