Martindale Brightwood, Indianapolis, Indiana : community revitalization through an urban transit oriented infill development

This project is a Mixed-Used Urban and Village and an Urban Transit Oriented Development in Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood located on the northeast side of Indianapolis Indiana. This project has been made possible by the convergence of several social, economic, and natural conditions that beg for a revitalization catalyst project as was introduced to the designer during the fall of 2009 Smart Growth Indy SDAT Charrette. During this community based Charrette a crucial survey was administered that polled the residents of Martindale-Brightwood. Through these surveys it was found that the area severely lacked walkability and safety, lacked multimodal transportation, and had an extremely high rate of vacant and abandoned lots. There was also a strong interest in commuter rail service, a high potential usership of a rail service, and a common feeling that the rail service would have a positive impact on the community. Coupled with the community’s interest in a rail service, the city of Indianapolis has recently proposed a new mass transit system that will include, light rail, commuter rail, and new bus systems for the entire city of Indianapolis. Currently Indianapolis is the 14th largest city in the nation, however is ranks 100th in public transportation. The new transit plan seeks to connect Indianapolis regionally to the north in Fishers Indiana, and south to Greenwood Indiana with a commuter line. As the plan stands currently this commuter line that provides regional and local connection would run on an old abandoned rail line adjacent to the Monon Greenway, directly through the project site in the Martindale-Brightwood Neighborhood. This project is an example of a Mixed-Use urban Village, Urban Transit Hub, and Infill opportunities within the surrounding urban fabric. This project will serve the people of Martindale-Brightwood by localizing services and amenities, providing multi-modal transit opportunities, providing common open space and park space, and promote wellness through walkable streetscapes and better acessibility and enhancements to the Monon Greenway.College of Architecture and PlanningThesis (B.L.A.