The City of Indianapolis and Lafayette Square Area Coalition this evening held a meeting for the public to review proposed improvements in the International Marketplace area surrounding 38th Street and Lafayette Road. Presentations focused on an overview of the proposed streetscape and infrastructure improvements and the project timeline.
Plans include adding the first on-the-ground structures to identify and rebrand the Lafayette Square Area as Indy’s International Marketplace. New gateway structures close to the area’s three highway entrances, vertical branding markers at several intersections, and new bus shelters will feature images of local Faces, Foods, and Fabrics of the authentic cultures from around the world right here in Indianapolis.
In addition, plans call for making improvements to pedestrian connectivity and safety. The crosswalks at the major intersections on West 38th Street will be striped with continental bars to enhance visibility and safety, and several stretches of sidewalk will be added to connect the new 38th Street sidewalks to those on some of the major cross streets.
“The City is committed to working with our community partners and the private sector to improve liveability and connectivity in Indianapolis and embrace our cultural diversity,” said Mayor Greg Ballard.
Funding for the $700,000 project will be 50 percent from Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CRED) funds and 50 percent from RebuildIndy. The timeline calls for bids to be let in May or June and the project to be substantially completed by September.
The designation of a CRED allows local government to capture sales and income tax increments from the district to assist with site and infrastructure improvements, property acquisition, operating expenses, substance removal or remedial action to properties in the CRED area.
“I am so excited to be working with the City of Indianapolis as we revitalize the Lafayette Square Area, now Indy’s International Marketplace,” said Lafayette Square Area Coalition President Mary Clark. “These gateway structures, bus shelters and other improvements will be physical markers – even beacons – that will tell all who come to the area or even pass by that this area is something special. More and more people are coming back to a new destination, promoting and celebrating the international cultures of the world that call Indianapolis home. I want to thank the City for partnering with LSAC and for its continued efforts to promote redevelopment in this area.”
