In light of the Coronavirus outbreak in the United States during the spring of 2020, cities and towns across the country were confronted with a new challenge: finding public space for new social distancing measures. In Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a series of plans to close major corridors throughout the city, including the popular Mass Ave business district. Given the rapid popularity of an open Mass Ave, calls were made to permanently pedestrianize the space. In conjunction with local input and a precedent project in the 16th St. Mall in Denver, this design was created.

Connection: broad integration of existing neighborhood amenities

Multi-mobility: Retaining bus traffic alongside multi-modal options such as bike, scooter, and

pick-up/drop-off zones for carsharing.

Opportunity: Create space for local entrepreneurs and artists..

This proposal rethinks Mass Ave as a cohesive urban space, utilizing permeable pavers and curb-to curb activation. A center median is activated as public space, allowing room for food trucks, vendors, and street performers. The median would be provided as a flexible urban space which would permit creative year-round uses such as a pop-up ice rink in the winter time. Extended sidewalks allow 6’ of patio space for social distancing for various restaurants and businesses along the vibrant strip. Two lanes of through traffic are reserved only for buses and bicycles, allowing passage of the 11 and 21 bus routes, which service the low-income east side.