JagBytes

Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: College News

Media Credit: Josh Malcak David Reed fits in concrete bricks on Alabama Street as part of construction on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

The Central Indiana Community Foundation and the City of Indianapolis are working with 13 partners, including IUPUI, to develop The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a $50.35 million project that will connect five historical districts with scenic paths that will include lighted art.

The 7.5-mile trail will connect Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, The Canal and White River State Park, and the Wholesale District.

The path will also connect with the Monon Trail to give cyclists and pedestrians a route to the Broad Ripple Village from downtown. The trail will pass through neighborhoods, historical districts and entertainment hotspots.

CIFCF President Brian Payne said the trial might connect to the Informatics Building at IUPUI.

The Cultural Trail Management Team has raised $40 million of the $50.35 million budget.

The Cultural Trail Management Team has raised $40 million of the $50.35 million needed for the budget. Gail Swanstrom with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Office said the three year budget includes the following:

• $35 million for construction


• $7 million for project management, design, and inspection


• $5 million for maintenance endowment


• $2 million for public art


• $1 million for a community bike and shuttle bus program


• $350,000 fundraiser administrations

The project is funded by CICF, the City of Indianapolis, and several not-for-profit organizations through donations and fundraisers. Gene and Marilyn Glick gave the largest donation of $15 million.

The Curatorial Advisory Committee is working with Mindy Taylor Ross, Arts Council director of public arts, to select the art for the trail. There have been no decisions made yet. But Ross said they are now in the proposal and negotiation process with more than five local artists who have been invited to have their work reviewed.

The construction of the trail will be completed in six stages during the next three years. It is expected to be finished in 2009.

There will be opportunities to ask questions and collect more information during the brown bag lunch on Oct. 23, 2007 at the One America building downtown, in the Main Auditorium on the first floor. IUPUI has scheduled another brown bag lunch for Nov. 27. The location will be announced.

Donations made before Dec. 31 can be credited to your 2008 tax return. To make a donation, contact Gail Swanstrom at 317-713-3333 or e-mail Gail@indyculturaltrail.org to make a non-cash donation. You may also send contributions to:

Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick

Union Stream
300 S. Meridian St. Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46255

For more information on the project and to learn which streets are affected by the construction, visit www.indyculturaltrail.org

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