04 Jan 2023
Six Key Reasons Why Indy is Poised for a BIG 2023

Visit Indy

With one million residents and $1.7 billion in tourism infrastructure underway, Indy's cost of living continues to appeal and cool factor continues to soar.

Here are six key reasons why Indy is poised for a big 2023:

  • Bike Trail Expansion: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail debuted back in 2013 as an 8-mile urban pedestrian and bicycling trail punctuated with public art installations. 10 years later, in May of 2023, a $30 million, 2-mile expansion will be completed, improving access to the city's historical African American cultural district and the new 16 Tech Innovation District, which will be opening an incubator for Black chefs.
  • Bicentennial Unity Plaza: The heart of downtown Indy will enjoy a new $30 million public gathering space with outdoor seasonal skating rink, arts park area, restaurant, community basketball court, retail, and more.

  • Luxe Shipping Container Accommodations: Indy will welcome Tiny Urban Escapes, luxe shipping container accommodations with a garden oasis. Minority business owner, Robin Staten, is bringing a tranquil and relaxing setting to our urban core. And, in a downtown underserved neighborhood along the River.

  • Massive Building Repurpose: The historic Stutz Building, a 110-year-old former auto manufacturing site in downtown Indy, is primed for a rebirth. Restaurant and retail tenants are moving in, including an additional outpost for Indy's best bakery, a Martha Hoover (6x James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur Semifinalist) restaurant concept, plant shops, artist galleries, a retail incubator, and more.

  • Madam Walker Legacy Center: 2023 will mark the first full year that the Legacy Center will open their doors to the public for spoken word, events, comedy shows, theatrical performances, etc., after a $15 million renovation. Madam Walker is America's first self-made female millionaire who made her fortune from selling her hair care product in 1910. Her factory stood where the historic legacy center now stands. This is the anchor of Indy's historical African American cultural district. And, Mattel recently rolled out a Barbie doll with Madam Walker's name and likeness. And, Indy just announced a new downtown massive mural will be painted in her honor.

  • River Activation Implementation: Indy is also amidst one of the country's largest river redevelopment projects, with 58-miles of the White River, which runs through the heart of the city. 2023 will kickstart some tangible amenities that provide greater access and enjoyment of the river.

Among many other things like a brand-new HGTV show filming out of downtown Indy with comedian Mike Epps to a 150-acre new tourism amenity as Restoration Hardware takes over a mansion campus to become their showroom, restaurant and gardens.

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About Visit Indy
The mission of Visit Indy is to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis by optimizing visitor-related economic impact. For more information, visitindy.com.