Many Voices, One Vision for Indianapolis

The GM Stamping Plant in Indianapolis is a generational redevelopment opportunity to create a world-class commercial and entertainment destination and establish a major new mixed-use neighborhood that will create jobs and act as a catalyst to revitalize the west side of Indianapolis.

MKSK worked for the City of Indianapolis as part of a multi-firm team to prepare a conceptual master plan to be included with an RFP distributed by the owner of the site, RACER Trust. This is the first phase in the development of a brownfield site and the eventual redevelopment of the City’s riverfront asset.

MKSK worked for the City of Indianapolis as part of a multi-firm team to prepare a conceptual master plan.

In December, MKSK's Eric Lucas joined Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Jeff Bennet and Bruce Rasher from RACER Trust at the National Brownfields Conference in Pittsburgh to discuss best practices for community engagement and environmental justice in brownfield redevelopment.

The City of Indianapolis, with the support of property owner RACER Trust, engaged neighborhood and civic groups, elected officials, and other community leaders in a process to identify options for the optimal reuse of a former General Motors manufacturing property located downtown on the banks of the White River. Armed with evidence of public support that included an extension of a Tax Increment Finance district to cover the property, RACER Trust is now under contract with a buyer who plans to transform the property into a $550 million mixed-use development.

The session highlighted the tangible benefits of meaningful and transparent public engagement, and how identifying and addressing concerns before an opportunity is presented to the market, strengthens relationships and builds credibility across constituencies.

Click here to download the PowerPoint from their conversation.