Georgia Street Near Convention Center to Undergo Major Renovation, Closure Until 2026

INDIANAPOLIS (GBBC) —

Part of Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis’ link between Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center, could soon shut down for a very long time

The street could close west of Illinois Street as soon as the first week of February for utility work related to Signia Hotel construction. It is not expected to reopen until 2026 as the city completely remodels the road for it to look more natural.

“The public utility work will start next week and then when it’s done, we’ll take it over the conversion from a road to a park,” said Bill Sewall, the vice president of construction management company AECOM Hunt. “That work will likely go until the Final Four in 2026.”

The remodel would add greenery and eliminate car traffic completely between Illinois Street and Capitol Street.

“Taking what is now a pedestrian-focused segment of Georgia Street and actually converting it into entirely pedestrian is going to help support the existing development and the new development,” said Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development Director Megan Vukusich.

Vukusich said the city will officially break ground on its reconstruction this spring and that there is a chance that section of Georgia Street temporarily reopens when utility work is complete.

The remodel is exciting for Jenelle Bickel, who manages the Helium Comedy Club on the corner of Georgia Street and Meridian Street.

“I’ve worked on this half-block radius of Georgia Street for the past 12 years,” Bickel said. “I love seeing it thrive, especially with the amount of tourists and conventions that we are getting into the city the past couple of years.”

The existing Georgia Street layout opened in 2011, shortly before Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl XLVI. The renovation plan will eventually cover the entire street, but the immediate construction work is only between Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue.

What’s Included in the Renovation?

The renovation of Georgia Street is part of an extensive downtown revitalization plan aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and overall aesthetics of the area. Key components of the project include:

1. Street and Sidewalk Improvements: The project will focus on upgrading both the street and the surrounding sidewalks. This includes repaving Georgia Street to improve the driving surface, as well as widening and updating pedestrian walkways to accommodate the growing number of foot traffic in the area. New pavement, better drainage systems, and smoother surfaces will help enhance the flow of both vehicles and pedestrians.
2. Enhanced Public Spaces: One of the goals of the renovation is to create a more vibrant and inviting public space. Plans include the addition of more green spaces, outdoor seating areas, and landscaping that will help create a welcoming environment for visitors and locals. These changes are expected to make Georgia Street more pedestrian-friendly, contributing to a lively urban atmosphere.
3. Utility Upgrades: The renovation will also address aging infrastructure, including water, sewer, and utility lines beneath Georgia Street. These upgrades are necessary to ensure that the street can support the future growth of the city and maintain a reliable infrastructure system for years to come.
4. Traffic Flow and Accessibility Improvements: To help alleviate traffic congestion during the closure, the city plans to adjust nearby routes, improve traffic management, and provide better access to the Convention Center and adjacent attractions. Alternative routes will be established to guide drivers around the work zone, while special attention will be given to maintaining accessibility for people with disabilities.
5. Lighting and Safety Enhancements: As part of the project, new lighting and safety features will be added to Georgia Street, improving visibility and security for both pedestrians and drivers at night. This will help make the area safer for all who use it, especially in the evenings when many events take place around the Convention Center.

Why is Georgia Street Closing?

The closure of Georgia Street is necessary to carry out the extensive renovations in a safe and efficient manner. With a large portion of the street slated for demolition, construction work will need to be done without hindering the flow of traffic. Given that Georgia Street is a major route that connects key destinations in downtown Indianapolis, the closure is expected to affect transportation for several years.

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Additionally, some of the utility and infrastructure work will require digging and rerouting services, which can only be done safely if the area is closed to traffic. By shutting down the street, crews can work more quickly and minimize disruptions to other parts of downtown. The closure is also designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both construction workers and the public.

How Will the Closure Affect the Area?

The Georgia Street closure will undoubtedly affect both local businesses and visitors to the Indiana Convention Center and nearby hotels. However, local authorities are implementing strategies to minimize the impact:

1. Alternate Routes for Traffic: Drivers will be redirected to nearby streets such as Washington Street and Maryland Street to bypass the construction zone. Public transportation routes and buses will also be adjusted to accommodate the changes.
2. Pedestrian Access: While vehicle access to Georgia Street will be restricted, pedestrian access will be maintained throughout most of the renovation. However, certain areas may experience temporary disruptions as construction work progresses. Clear signage will be provided to help pedestrians navigate the area safely.
3. Event Planning: The Indiana Convention Center hosts numerous events, conventions, and conferences throughout the year, and it’s likely that the Georgia Street closure will coincide with major events. Organizers and local officials are working together to ensure that access to and from the Convention Center is not significantly disrupted. Detour routes and alternative parking options will be communicated to attendees in advance.
4. Business Support: The city has also emphasized its commitment to supporting local businesses during the renovation period. Financial assistance and marketing support will be available to help businesses maintain operations and attract customers despite the challenges of the street closure.

The Long-Term Vision for Georgia Street

Once completed, the renovated Georgia Street will serve as a modernized, pedestrian-friendly corridor that enhances downtown Indianapolis. With improved infrastructure, new public spaces, and a safer environment, the street will be better equipped to handle the growing population and increasing number of visitors to the city.

The renovation is a vital part of the city’s larger efforts to revitalize the downtown area and improve its attractiveness as a destination for both residents and tourists. By investing in Georgia Street, Indianapolis is taking steps to create a more vibrant urban environment that reflects the city’s forward-thinking vision for the future.

The closure of Georgia Street near the Indiana Convention Center until 2026 marks a significant chapter in the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis. While the street closure will undoubtedly cause short-term inconveniences, the long-term benefits will make Georgia Street a more accessible, safe, and vibrant area for visitors and locals alike. By modernizing this important corridor, the city is investing in its future, making it a better place to live, work, and visit for years to come.

Residents and visitors can stay updated on the progress of the renovation and find information about detours and alternative routes through the City of Indianapolis’ website and local news outlets.

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