55 INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL CENTER PLAN 2020 PLANNING DOWNTOWN’S FUTURE TODAY PLACEMAKING DOWNTOWN INTRODUCTION The Placemaking Downtown Committee began meeting in December 2002.  The Committee met once a month through June 2003 to discuss urban design, parks and open space, ecology and historic preservation related topics.  This Committee also made recommendations regarding financial resources and implementation.  Throughout the six meetings, the Committee discussions focused on the quality of design, linkages, the quality of environment, historic preservation and new initiatives. TOPICS This Placemaking Downtown section covers the following topics: 19.  Urban Design 20.  Implementation Resources 21.  Linkages 22.  Parks and Open Space 23.  Historic Preservation 24.  Ecology and Sustainability PRIORITIES AND INITIATIVES The Placemaking Committee focused much of its time on considering issues where improvements need to be implemented.  The underlying assumption is that Indianapolis has a strong historic base and a clearly identifiable center The location of Indianapolis regionally and the lack of other urban competitors places the Regional Center in the position of being accepted as the center of the state and city.  The following themes represent initiatives which are important to Placemaking and embrace more than one objective. Preserve and Enhance Existing Assets The existing historic resources, neighborhoods, parks, universities, government centers, convention facilities and entertainment facilities provide a strong framework for planning.  Preserving, maintaining and supporting what the Regional Center has is inherent in the Committee's deliberations. Design  The quality of design is very important and urban design guidelines should be developed to guide development.   A design center to provide information, educational opportunities, research, support and advocacy for quality should be established. Cultural Trail  The accessibility and connection of Regional Center assets is important to wayfinding, sense place and development.  The proposed Cultural Trail will link cultural districts, greenways, neighborhoods and arts venues while serving to connect core retail to neighborhoods, neighborhoods to the University and be a strong destination in and of itself. Environmental Responsibility  All development should be environmentally sensitive.  Improving air quality, water quality and energy conservation are important to the future.  Opportunities to use plant materials and passive energy strategies are also recommended. 19.  URBAN DESIGN Indianapolis has few natural features such as mountains, oceans or lakes to create a memorable image or serve to orient us to views, places and experiences.  The quality of Indianapolis' built environment is therefore the best opportunity to create a strong sense of place.  Indianapolis should seek its own unique identity.  There is the opportunity to plan concentrations of retail, transportation centers, schools, etc. in such a way as to create a stronger sense of community. GOAL 19 Excel in the quality of urban design reinforcing the unique skyline, protecting and reinforcing specific views and points of entry, promoting quality infill development and implementing enforceable design guidelines that encourage creativity. OBJECTIVES Mixed-Use  The Regional Center should be a mixed-use sustainable area that offers unique opportunities to the people of central Indiana to live, work, learn and enjoy the Downtown. There are opportunities to create 24-hour communities in the Regional Center.   Residential development, shops, restaurants and places to work and learn can all be merged into a vibrant community. Culture  Develop a unique environment that expresses the community’s culture, knowledge and sensitivity to community. PLACEMAKING DOWNTOWN University Park