An Emerging White River
A New Chapter of Community Sustainability, Resilience, Development, and Recreation
The White River is an essential lifeline for Central Indiana, shaping its environment, economy, and culture much like oceans or mountains define other regions. Though its significance has shifted over time, communities are now embracing this once-underutilized asset with renewed vision and investment.
Historically, the river played a vital role for Native American tribes—including the Delaware, Miami, Lenape, and Shawnee—as well as for European settlers who relied on it for trade, industry, and agriculture. Today, the White River continues to shape the future of Central Indiana, driving a renaissance of environmental stewardship, economic development, and public engagement.
At MKSK, we are honored to partner with the state, municipalities, nonprofits, corporations, and creative entities in shaping this new era for the White River.
In past eras, the riverfront was dominated by industrial and agricultural land use. The original 1821 Plan for Indianapolis by Alexander Ralston largely overlooked the White River, focusing instead on the city’s famed Mile Square. However, as community-driven efforts gained traction, the region unified behind a future vision.
The movement to revitalize the White River began with a collective effort to recognize its potential as a community resource. This led to the establishment of Indianapolis’s White River State Park in 1979 and a more recent vision to enhance recreation and accessibility along the river’s 58-mile length through Hamilton and Marion Counties.
Since 2016, MKSK has played an important role in shaping this vision, including planning and design efforts in both counties. Today, MKSK continues to drive these initiatives forward, transforming ideas into actionable projects.
Conner Prairie Master Plan and Implementation
Conner Prairie, Indiana's first Smithsonian affiliated museum, expands the boundaries of our historical and natural resources by exploring, celebrating, and improving the human experience. MKSK’s 2018 Conner Prairie Site Master Plan envisions a dynamic future for this historic campus, integrating new exhibits, infrastructure, and green spaces, including woodlands, wetlands, and the riverbank. Since its initial adoption in 2018, the plan has been updated twice, most recently in 2024, with an expanded focus on the West Side Master Plan and strategic zoning updates.
Key Transformative Recommendations and Implementation Milestones:
Zoning updates to better serve the museum and surrounding community.
Newly constructed trails providing immersive learning experiences along the White River.
Ongoing construction of the Museum Experience Center, offering expanded year-round programming.
Ongoing design of the Food, Farm, and Energy Experience, showcasing agricultural innovation.
Ongoing design of the White River Education and Ecology Center, promoting waterway stewardship.
Future eco-lodging, supporting sustainable tourism.
A future Land, Water, and Energy Innovation Center, raising awareness for ecological planning.
MKSK continues to work alongside Conner Prairie, advancing these initiatives.
Conner Prairie – MKSK collaborating with CBBEL, Lake Flato, DELV, Nelson + Frankenberger.
GM Stamping Plant Redevelopment
In collaboration with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, MKSK is leading the transformation of the former GM Stamping Plant site in downtown Indianapolis into a model for community-driven redevelopment. Envisioned as a collaborative hub within Indiana’s expansive life sciences ecosystem, the site is designed to drive healthcare and life sciences innovation. This 100-acre brownfield is being reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use district where high-density residential, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure seamlessly integrate to reflect Indiana’s future-focused vision. Through strategic partnerships at the state, city, and private sector levels, the redevelopment is setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban revitalization and downtown connectivity.
Key Implementation Milestones:
Completion of master planning, zoning, and design guidelines, preparing the site for redevelopment.
Ongoing construction of White River Parkway, Henry Street, and other infrastructure improvements.
Expansion of White River State Park, enhancing public space with walking paths, pedestrian connectivity, and recreational amenities.
This transformation underscores the power of collaborative planning, ensuring the White River remains an economic and cultural asset for generations to come.
White River State Park Extension
In partnership with the White River State Park Development Commission, and prominent community leaders, MKSK is leading a multidisciplinary team of consultants to implement the 10-acre landside extension to White River State Park. The project marks a new era for this renowned 267-acre urban greenspace.
Key Transformative Recommendations and Implementation Milestones:
Honoring industrial legacy: The Kahn Pavilion, originally designed by Albert Kahn, preserves the Valley Neighborhood’s 150-year manufacturing history while fostering new civic engagement along the riverfront.
Restoration and repurposing: Lake | Flato Architects is leading the transformation of this historic structure into a year-round event and community space, celebrating its original open, light-filled design.
Limestone storytelling: The park landscape showcases Indiana’s natural and industrial heritage, guiding visitors through the history of limestone—from raw outcroppings to reclaimed quarry sites.
Seamless natural ecologies: Verdant terraces and green spaces recall the White River’s original forested bluffs, while an Event Lawn connects to the future Indianapolis Cultural Trail through a dynamic Slope Scramble.
A hub for One Health: As a centerpiece of the revitalized GM Stamping Plant, the landside park embodies the interconnected wellness of people, animals, plants, and the environment in a thriving, sustainable public space.
MKSK’s Role in Shaping the White River’s Future
As a leader in riverfront planning and landscape architecture, MKSK is deeply invested in Central Indiana’s future. Our work spans from visioning to implementation, ensuring that community-driven plans become tangible realities.
Key Leadership & Expertise:
Working alongside Eric Lucas, PLA, CEO/Principal of MKSK, Aaron Kowalski, AICP, Associate Principal and planner at MKSK, has been integral to transformative riverfront initiatives in Central Indiana since 2016. Aaron has played a key role in reshaping the White River corridor, fostering stronger connections between people and place. As a proud Indianapolis resident, Aaron is dedicated to enhancing economic vitality, social well-being, and sustainable development.
Beyond the projects highlighted in this Shape-Place E-Card, Aaron specializes in:
Regional and downtown planning
Transit- and trail-oriented development
Strategic implementation of community-led projects
Through these initiatives, MKSK remains committed to ensuring the White River thrives as an accessible, resilient, and economically vibrant resource for all.