8F: Downtown Canalwalk
The downtown Canalwalk is a key asset for Indianapolis residents and visitors. Based on an infrastructure needs assessment, move forward with needed improvements and enhancements to sidewalks, access stairways and elevators, lighting, pumps, public safety, and other infrastructure. Support additional Canal programming that is in harmony with the limitations, traffic capacities, and desires of Canal businesses and residents.
Value to the Community
The canalwalk is both a neighborhood and a key recreational destination for many residents. It also hosts community events like small concerts and holiday celebrations. Maintaining its infrastructure, and providing more reasons to visit, helps sustain this community amenity.Value to the Hospitality Industry
The canalwalk is a frequent visitor destination, offering a relaxing experience that also connects key attractions like White River State Park and the Indiana History Center. Maintaining this infrastructure while also increasing its daily programming helps sustain this amenity.Updates
- February 2024. New Canal Signage. Wayfinding and informational signage with updated Canal branding was installed along the Canalwalk.
- April 2023. Increased Canal Security. Indianapolis invested $375,000 into the canal in efforts to upgrade security and infrastructure. These improvements include additional cameras surveying the playground, changing 145 lights to LED, and repairing the walkway walls near the USS Indianapolis Memorial. Along with these improvements, IMPD will continue to have officers biking through the area at night as well.
- January 2022. Hilton Open near Canal Walk. Hampton Inn by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton is opening a new hotel on the historic site of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The original church was built in 1869, it was the oldest African American church in Indianapolis, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1991. In its final years the congregation struggled to raise enough money for repairs which is when Sun Development & Management Corp purchased the site and built the hotel around the church allowing guests to visit the historical site.
- July 2019. Walnut Street Bridge Reconstruction. the City of Indianapolis reconstructed the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge over the Downtown Canalwalk. This bridge also serves the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
- December 2018. Infrastructure Assessment. The City of Indianapolis completed a draft infrastructure assessment that inventoried the condition of infrastructure, lighting, and landscaping along the Canalwalk.
- November 2018. Colts Canal Playspace. The City of Indianapolis opened the first playground in the Mile Square along the Canalwalk.
Priority + Progress
Monitoring priorities are the middle 60% or so of actions that TTI is keeping its eye on and supporting as needed.
TTI Role
The encourage role means TTI is offering encouragement to partners pursuing this action. This is the least-involved type of role and typically applicable when partners don't need much help.
