INDIANAPOLIS – Georgia Street could evolve as the city hopes to bring new events to the Indiana Convention Center.

“We hope to make the street, which is already pedestrian-friendly, even more pedestrian-friendly,” explains Megan Vukusich, director of the Department of Metropolitan Development.

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This week, the department will propose eliminating one lane of Georgia Street between Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue. The extra space would allow the city and the convention center to create more room for large events.

“We’re trying to make it a green space, an outdoor venue that’s driven primarily by our customers,” explained Andy Mallon, executive director of the Indiana Convention Center. “They’re looking for outdoor spaces. It’s getting easier and easier to be outdoors, even in the winter and when it’s hot in the summer. So we want to offer that to them and make it a selling point.”

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For the city, this means that more open spaces will be created for the public.

“We’ve launched initiatives like Spark on the Circle and the downtown canal,” Vukusich said. “Hopefully Georgia Street will become part of that inventory of downtown public spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

It is the beginning of a new era for Indianapolis.

WATCH | Spark on the Circle reopens to mixed reviews

SPARK on the Circle reopens to mixed reviews

“What really excites me is how our downtown is rebuilding itself in some ways, starting with the expansion of the convention center and the new and improved Georgia Street,” Mallon said.

The proposal is still a work in progress and requires approval from the city and county councils before construction can begin.

Vukusich hopes the area can open around the same time as the Signia Hotel in 2026.