Lilly grants $5 million to CCB plaza renovation

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The plaza in front of the City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis is getting a facelift.

Later this year, city officials want to break ground on a new interactive plaza featuring an ice skating rink and outdoor seating.

Those who work in the building and visit it welcomed the news.

“This is a safety hazard,” said Brendan Reid, speaking of the crumbling sidewalk. “It would be nice if they fixed the pavement and put some benches out here for us.”

“It’d be nice to see some nicer things out here and fix the place up a little bit,” said Joshua Aaron, who visits downtown regularly.

Plans for a new plaza are years in the making.

“This is about who we are. we’re about great stuff,” said Adam Thies, the director for the city’s Department of Metropolitan Development.

The Lilly Endowment is putting up $5 million for the project.

“A vibrant, exciting, dynamic place for people to have fun, to laugh, to bring their kids, to have joy in this city,” said Thies.

The core of the project is the interactive fountain.

“You’ll be able to come with your phone and program the jets. You’ll be able to come at night and program the colors, and your kids will be able to run and play and enjoy time,” said Thies.

The project is part of the larger Market East District.

The new district has been in the planning phase since the Market Square arena was demolished in 2001.

It wasn’t until this winter that anything’s been done with the land. In February the city broke ground on the 28-story 360 Market Square project.

Further up Alabama Street, also in the district, there are plans to turn the Old City Hall into a boutique hotel.

But planners say the plaza is for the public.

“This space really is the missing piece of the puzzle for the entire investment for Market East,” said Sherry Seiwert, the president of Downtown Indy.

The mayor’s office is asking the city to match Lilly’s $5 million grant.

If funding comes through the project could begin later this year, and be completed in early 2017.