It’s a three-block east-west stretch just south of Monument Circle. Soon the city’s Department of Public Works would like to tear into Georgia Street and give it a $12.5 million makeover, in time for Super Bowl 2012 in Indianapolis.
The idea is to take Georgia Street and make it more pedestrian friendly from the Convention Center under construction on the west side to Conseco Fieldhouse on the east side.
The city hopes to upgrade the sidewalks, pavement and add new landscaping, lighting and sound making it more of a centerpiece of a thoroughfare, and allowing for more outdoor dining and more showcasing. Opening it up to more public events, though would also mean occassionally shutting it down vehicular traffic.
“If it allows people to see the great buildings and cultural points in Indianapolis, that’s great. If it takes away too many parking spaces, I don’t think that would be great,” said one resident.
Both of those features would happen, but Terri Scott of the Canterbury Hotel likes that idea for the foot traffic it would create.
“When we have big events that consist of a lot of traffic, it does make it hectic to get from one place to another,” he said.
The idea is backed by the mayor’s office and other downtown leaders. Construction is set to begin later this year. Money to pay for the project will come from a federal transportation enhancement grant, with the city footing the rest of the bill.
according to fox59.com
