fountain square

culture
fountain
square
the . cultural . districts . program
a
working plan for cultural district development
a plan by:
LIVE,
THE CREATIVE, ACTIVE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY
WORK, AND PLAY HERE IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT.
culturally
interested?
INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Þ
a town square and central fountain
like a
european
village.
this t h r i v i n g a r t i s t c o m m u n i t y
blends
retro
and
new
art influences in its architecture & style
creating a funky mix of independent,
As we stand today...
is an historic neighborhood with
our
Position
fountain
s q u a r e
one of a kind
destinations
465
69
65
70
74
FOUNTAIN SQUARE
EXPERIENCE CAMERA:
Washington
74
70
65
First, immediately go to Fountain Square and experience the
best of culture, people and living. Second, utilize provided cutout to “frame” your experience and create mental images to
tell others of the secrets of Fountain Square.
FOUNTAIN SQUARE is an historic commercial and residential neighborhood located
southeast of downtown Indianapolis. The neighborhood is remembered as the ORIGINAL
THEATRE DISTRICT of Indianapolis, and today has evolved into an ARTISTS’ LIVEWORK COMMUNITY. The area is untouched by modern commercial approaches and
retains a neighborly reputation. The neighborhood is supported by several ACTIVE
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS and
enjoys strong leadership from SEND (Southeast Neighborhood
Development), a CDC (Community Development Corporation). The
neighborhood also benefits from the Fountain Square Main Street Program,
which is managed by SEND. INDEPENDENT AND CREATIVE
PEOPLE choose to live and work in Fountain Square which leads to an
ethnically and socially diverse community. The influence of the original
European population of Germans, Irish and
Italians has been enhanced by an active
Hispanic community. Fountain Square is
HOME TO NUMEROUS WORKING
ARTISTS, many of whom live and work in
the Wheeler Arts Community or have studios
in the Murphy Arts Center. Two entertainment
destinations dominate the nightlife in Fountain
Square with the Historic Fountain Square
Theatre offering everything from a 50s
DINER TO SWING DANCING, a rooftop
garden and DUCKPIN BOWLING all in
one complex. Radio Radio features live music
and attracts national UP
AND COMING BANDS
and performers from
throughout the region.
overview
hmm...
What’s this all about?
fountain square
What are the
Strengths...
as A cultural center in indianapolis?
“up & Coming” cultural identity
Pioneering “live-work” options for artists and small business owners
Great local ethnic food and flavor mixed with funky shops, antiques and furnishings
Unique pleasures like duckpin bowling at the theater or live music at Radio Radio
intact commercial district
Affordable residences with great location for walkability and access to Downtown areas
Ethnicity draws on the original German, Irish and Italian influences coupled with
today’s strong Hispanic influences
strong community organizations and supporters
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Artists are not integrated into the community in visible ways.
Artists are perceived as “local” versus big-city gallery.
Area lacks a powerful logo and identity.
Improving Attraction Assets
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Gallery and store hours are inconsistent.
There is insufficient critical mass of publicly accessible attractions.
Landlords may not share a cultural vision.
Vacancy lends to a sense of deterioration in the area.
Theatre space is needed for rehearsals and performances.
There is limited ready-to-occupy residential space.
Improving Placemaking Characteristics
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Streetscaping lacks plants and trees along sidewalks, unified signage or adequate
street lighting.
The area is sometimes perceived as dirty, poor and unsafe.
Traffic patterns and intersections can be confusing and difficult to navigate.
Public transportation is inadequate.
Visitor shuttle is needed to link Downtown attractions to Fountain Square.
Fountain needs to be renovated.
Public gathering and festival space is lacking.
There are no clear district gateways.
Consumers are not certain where to park.
Some existing businesses detract from district position.
Neighborhood improvements have not kept pace with commercial
improvements.
Attracting Interesting, Involved People
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Need more active involvement from college students.
Enhancing History/Architecture
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City and historic codes limit improvements.
Increasing Organizational Capacity
•
hallenge
improving life’s quality...
Improving Cultural Identity
Funds for improvements and marketing are lacking.
b y
i d e n t i f y i n g
NEED HIGHER IMAGE RESOLUTION
vision
“
We see a day in our future...
FOUNTAIN SQUARE sidewalks are FILLED WITH STROLLING
RESIDENTS & VISITORS who leisurely enjoy the unique flavor of a true
artists’ community. Everywhere you look, the EXPRESSION OF ART IS
EVIDENT and ACCESSIBLE, from building murals to street sculpture to art
on display in shops and restaurants, OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS.
The ETHNIC INFLUENCES and theatrical history and architecture of the
place are complemented by BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED PUBLIC
GATHERING AREAS featuring a central fountain and welcoming green spaces.
PEOPLE FLOCK TO THE AREA to sample many of the city’s BEST ETHNIC
RESTAURANTS and frequently treasure hunt in antique stores, unique artisan
shops and galleries. At night, Fountain Square COMES ALIVE with live
performances, music and dancing. Revelers WALK EASILY AMONG A
COLLECTION OF ENTERTAINMENT HOT SPOTS and, on a few
occasions each year, Fountain Square closes the streets and opens its doors for
some of the city’s MOST ANTICIPATED NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVALS.
...and YOU are here with US !
an artistic representation by Matt Eickhoff of a Day in Our Future Â
Matt Eickhoff
n
rioritie
for moving
f
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w
KEY STRATEGY #1
Fountain Square must establish itself as a unique and recognizable cultural destination by developing
and implementing an identity program complemented by an active marketing effort.
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Establish a powerful identity, logo and tag line to guide marketing and development efforts.
Implement the identity through marketing efforts and infrastructure improvements.
KEY STRATEGY #2
Develop an effective marketing and promotions program to showcase Fountain Square’s Artist
Community.
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Fund an Arts-Coordinator-in-Residence position to promote artists and galleries, and to
connect resident artists with the community.
Create events to drive traffic and increase sales.
Create consistent, cost-effective advertising and communications.
KEY STRATEGY #3
Create a more attractive and accessible district utilizing the detailed infrastructure improvement plan
submitted as a Transportation Enhancement Application to the State of Indiana.
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Acquire funding to complete intersection improvements, fountain restoration, creation of a
new plaza and streetscape improvements.
Utilize public art solutions for identification and wayfinding.
Create gateways at the north and south entrances.
Plan for the connection of the Cultural Trail.
KEY STRATEGY #4
Support the efforts of SEND (Southeast Neighborhood Development) and private developers to
renovate or develop live and work space.
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Showcase success stories through home tours and media exposure.
Attract private developers to this plan to market and fill existing product.
a
r
d
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KEY STRATEGY #5
f
t
o
h
future
Expand the existing Facade Improvement Program provided by the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and
the City of Indianapolis through the Fountain Square Main Street Program.
• Enhance funding for a target list of buildings.
• Solicit city support to streamline the approval processes.
• Add a new decorative sign program.
KEY STRATEGY #6
Develop sustainable Common Area Maintenance and Beautification standards throughout the district.
• Create a youth employment maintenance initiative with community centers.
• Create a merchant and resident beautification program.
KEY STRATEGY #7
Utilize the Fountain Square Main Street Program to expand the selection of unique, artistic businesses.
• Create a merchandising plan.
• Gain control of property that is critical.
• Relocate inconsistent real estate uses off the main commercial corridor.
KEY STRATEGY #8
Create a Technical Assistance Voucher Program to improve the performance of independent businesses in
merchandising, business planning and management, marketing, and finance.
• Focus merchants and artists on expanded operating hours and better storefront
and in-store merchandising.
KEY STRATEGY #9
Develop a signature annual event to fund cultural improvements.
• Evaluate the current fundraising opportunities.
• Define a collaborative event that will generate sufficient net annual funds.
r
e
We want you
download the complete plan,
participants and key next steps @
www.culturalindy.COM
The Cultural Districts Program, one program of the Cultural Tourism Initiative,
is managed by Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
with the support of:
Office of Cultural Tourism
100 South Capital Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
Phone 317.262.4440
Fax 317.262.3455