John Tuohy

john.tuohy@indystar.com

Wider sidewalks, a narrower street, improved lighting, a sound system, public restrooms and a cafe zone are some of the features being planned for a $60 million redesign of Monument Circle.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works presented a design report to the Board of Public Works this week that sketches out how the circle would be rebuilt. It includes new curbs and sidewalks and a host of amenities, but much of the most badly needed work will be below ground.

"The stormwater system, the electric utilities are old and in bad shape, and we have to tear everything up, go down there and replace them," said Stephanie Wilson, a spokeswoman for DPW.

The surface is decaying, as well, though. DPW officials said they spend $125,000 a year on repairs to bricks, curbs and other deteriorating structures, which are more than 30 years old.

The DPW is about a third of the way done with the design and will present its preliminary plans at public meetings in June. So far, funding for the project has not been found, so it was uncertain how soon work might start.

Planners said they want the Circle to be more welcoming to walkers and a place where visitors linger. The width of the inner sidewalk would be increased to 30 feet from 24 feet, the outer sidewalk to 48 feet from 28 feet.

The width of the street would decrease from 48 feet to 30 feet but would remain two lanes, with a lane for loading and parking.

"It's two lanes now, but it is wide enough to be four lanes," Wilson said.

The planners envision some artistic flourishes. The preliminary design of the light fixtures would resemble the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and would hold speakers for better sound quality during concerts.

Movable gates would be installed to block off the Circle for special events. The gates, when raised, would be attached to and blend in with a piece of art.

"That would eliminate the need for traffic cones or barricades, which don't really look good," Wilson said.

The plan envisions a stretch on the expanded outer sidewalk, or promenade, where a cluster of cafes would be set up. There would be more places to sit, kiosks with directions and bike racks and more greenery.

Eventually, the widened sidewalks would extend west on Market Street to the Indiana Statehouse, two blocks away, and east on Market to Alabama Street. The enhanced sidewalks would extend two blocks to the north and south along Meridian Street.

Chris Gahl, vice president of marketing for Visit Indy, the city's tourism arm, said Monument Circle is probably the most visible landmark in the city.

"It is the heartbeat of Indy, both figuratively and literally, and that it is why is is so important to keep it updated and in good shape," Gahl said.

Call Star reporter John Tuohy at (317) 444-2762. Follow him on Twitter: @john.tuohy@indystar.com.