Greenwood Downtown Development Plan

Conceptual design and implementation strategy for streetscape, open space, and mixed-use redevelopment opportunities, focused on increased connectivity, improving the pedestrian experience, and spurring private investment.

REA prepared the Greenwood Downtown Development Plan which provides detailed design concepts, project definition, and implementation strategies for the revitalization of the downtown core. Known locally as the Old Town area, this was the commercial center to the community of over 50,000 residents just south of Indianapolis before the creation of a regional mall in the mid-1960’s.

Upon completion of the Plan, REA has continued to work with the City to implement several projects, including new streets and roadway infrastructure, park improvements, and trail connections. Current projects include a road-diet/multimodal streetscape project along Madison Ave.; construction of a new multimodal street named Surina Way to connect Madison and Meridian Streets; Pleasant Creek Trail which connects Surina Square and Old City Park; streetscape enhancements to Main Street from Meridian to Madison and Emerson Ave. from County Line Rd. to Main St.; and the redesign of Old City Park. REA is leading the design and implementation of all of these projects and our consultant teams include both CrossRoad Engineers and VS Engineering.

Streetscape enhancements were proposed for major corridors to promote walkability, calm traffic, enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and friendliness, and provide greater connectivity to community destinations. Recommendations for pedestrian and bicycle trails form connections between the many parks and civic amenities in and around the City core; the proposed trail network creates a framework for an ambitious plan of new mixed-use development. Proposed improvements to Old City Park included creek enhancement and restoration, a creekside promenade, events lawn and distinctive play environments.

Conceptual site plans were developed for key redevelopment sites including a new City Center featuring a signature public plaza and gathering space, four mixed-use buildings, and an underground parking garage adjacent to City Hall and the main downtown intersection. In addition, a 20-acre development featuring new residential, commercial, and retail use within a dense, walkable, and green setting will be located on the site of the former middle school. Included in the master plan is a preliminary cost opinion and proposed phasing aligned with projected funding availability, and an analysis of potential tax revenues based on the development program.