06.07.2023

⛲ Placemaking in the Plaza

Crowdfunding campaign aims to give Fountain Square plaza new life

People hanging out in the plaza by the fountains in Fountain Square

The goal is to see more people enjoying the Fountain Square Plaza like this. | Photo by Fountain Fletcher District

UPDATE: In just six days, the Fountain Square community reached its goal, raising more than $17,500. Additional money donated to the campaign through Saturday, July 1 will go toward artists’ stipends for programming on the plaza.

At the heart of Fountain Square is a plaza with a historic fountain (hence the name) that was originally dedicated on Sept. 9, 1924. This little area of the neighborhood has long been a gathering place for neighbors and visitors alike — but in recent years, it hasn’t been utilized to its full potential.

A new crowdfunding campaign is aiming to bring the center of the community, known for its arts + culture, back to life.

The plaza surrounding the fountains was created in 2014 to serve as a community space at the end of the original Cultural Trail + became a regular display of local talent through live concerts and artist pop-ups. However, the pandemic put a halt to gatherings and now the neighborhood wants this back.

The Fountain Square community + Fountain Fletcher District are working to raise $17,500 to add new lighting, tables, and chairs, plus provide paid entertainment in the plaza. If it reaches its goal by Saturday, July 1, it will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) as part of it’s Creating Places Initiative.

About Creating Places

Creating Places is a place-based crowdfunding grant program that employs a donation + reward-based method of crowdfunding called “crowdgranting.”

This program aims to help generate public involvement in the selection of creative improvements within their own communities, provide funding for project completion, and encourage the community to become invested in its surroundings.

The program is available to projects in traditional downtown neighborhoods, nonprofits (with 501c3 or 501c4 status), and government organizations. Projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, for which the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds.

Get involved

Want to help the Fountain Square community reach its goal? You can donate online. Pro tip: All donations are tax deductible.

If you give $100+, you’ll receive a Fountain Fletcher sticker and special recognition at the launch party.

Asked

What kind of arts, culture, and entertainment events would you like to see take place on the Fountain Square plaza?

Drop your suggestions

Events

Wednesday, June 7

Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future World Tour 2023 | Wednesday, June 7 | 7 p.m. | TCU Amphitheater At White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $39.50-$114.50 | See the former One Direction member go solo.

Thursday, June 8

Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Indianapolis Indians | Thursday, June 8 | 7:05 p.m. | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | $12-$30 | Two Indy sports teams will join forces during this Indians game — meet Colts cheerleaders, Blue + enjoy a performance from the dance team.

Friday, June 9

Singles Mix and Greet | Friday, June 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Brick House Dueling Pianos, 6235 Guilford Ave., Indianapolis | $22-$32 | Stop by for a non-intimidating way to network, meet your match, make new friends, or just to have a fun time.

Saturday, June 10

B&O Bicycle Tour Sponsored by Hendricks Regional Health | Saturday, June 10 | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Williams Park, 940 S. Locust Ln., Brownsburg | $0-$35 | Check out a newly paved section of the trail and ride through the scenic countryside — after the ride, stick around for lunch + some live music.

Sunday, June 11

R&B Ain’t Dead: Gemini Birthday Bash | Sunday, June 11 | 3 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$30 | Dance along to R&B and hip-hop hits of the 80s, 90s, and today all afternoon, featuring DJ Pimp Cee, DJDJ, and Sounds By Todd.

Thursday, June 15

Second Helpings’ Birthday Party on the Circle | Thursday, June 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Monument Circle, Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate Second Helpings’ 25th anniversary with food, special guests, a drive-thru pasta drive to support the Gr8 Pasta Push, and more.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Home

A one-stop local shop for all things kitchen, bath + more? Yes, please.

The Kohler Signature Store Indianapolis was opened in 2019 by Crescent Plumbing Supply in St. Louis.
| Photo by Kohler Signature Store

Attention, home improvement weekend warriors. If you’re knee-deep in planning your next kitchen or bath renovation, Kohler Indy can help — their showroom is packed with a world of better quality products, the best experts around, and services including:

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News Notes

Civic

Monday, the City-County Council approved a plan for the city to publicly finance + own a new 814-room Signia by Hilton on Pan Am Plaza. It will now cost $510 million and the measure will allow the city to take out up to $625 million in municipal bonds for the project. (IBJ)

Coming Soon

Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville is getting a whole lineup of new businesses this fall. Simon Property Group announced the outdoor shopping center will be welcoming new stores including Cinnaholic, X-Golf, Big Blue Swim School, Athleta, Dry Goods, and Ross Dress for Less. (WISH)

Environment

Wondering why the sky has been a little hazy in Indy? The National Weather Service reported the smoky conditions in Indianapolis were caused by wildfires in Canada. Conditions were expected to gradually begin moving out yesterday evening, but it may still be lingering. (IndyStar)

Edu

A new high school exclusively for adults is coming to Indianapolis. The Excel Center will help adults and those who’ve been in the justice system earn a Core 40 diploma, college credits, and certifications. It’ll open at Paul I. Miller School 114 on the southeast side later this year. (WISH)

Sports

Colts’ cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is being investigated by the NFL for violating its gambling policy + he took to Twitter Monday night to “take full responsibility for [his] actions.” Isaiah is facing substantial discipline by the league if it’s determined he bet on games while at a team facility. (CBS4)

Watch

The Beech Grove Police Department is taking a break for the summer from “On Patrol: Live,” a Reelz series that broadcasts real-time videos of police agencies across the country. There are no guarantees, but the department said they hope to be back on the show in the fall. (IndyStar)

For Family

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Shop

Need to find your dad the perfect Father’s Day gift? You’re in luck. Check out gifts from our online store (Six & Main) that will make for a great surprise. From the outdoor explorer to the foodie dad, there’s a present for every type of father. Shop now.

The Buy

Turn misplaced keys into a thing of the past with the Apple AirTag. The button-sized tracking device can give you step-by-step directions to your lost keys (or phone…or wallet…) and has a battery life of one year. Pro tip: Put one in your checked luggage and never worry about lost baggage again.*

Wellness

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole Hernandez

From the editor

I love a good local vendor market, so I’d love to see more of that in the Fountain Square Plaza. I also think outdoor movie screenings would be fun. Give us your thoughts.

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