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An urban trail with a cyclist and pedestrians.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick

A Trail-Oriented Development Strategy

Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
Client
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc.
Practices
City Design
Size
Year
Ongoing
Awards
Credits

Project Partners: REA, JLP+D, Taft, Monumental Gestures, and Policy Analytics

Photographer: Ben Townsend

An interior view of the dining hall. A buffet and cooler have wood accents and are surrounded by menu screens.

A Trail-Oriented Development Strategy

 

Multistudio is working on a new phase of enhancements for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and managed by thenonprofit Indianapolis Cultural Trail (ICT), Inc., the 10+ mile Cultural Trail provides a bike and pedestrian path that connects downtown's Cultural Districts, historic neighborhoods, and the city's regional greenway network.

 

In partnership with REA, JLP+D,Taft, and Monumental Gestures, Multistudio is developing a trail-oriented development approach to protect and strengthen the Indianapolis community's investment in the Cultural Trail, supporting the unique economic and cultural value the Trail generates.

 

In addition to its local value, the Cultural Trail is part of the national High Line Network, a curated group of infrastructure reuse projects that represent the future of public spaces in the United States.

 

An Urban Trail, a Cultural Connector, and an Economic Driver

Since its 2007 opening, the Cultural Trail has become a defining element of downtown Indianapolis's bike and pedestrian network. Through programming and events, public art and cultural exhibits, and lush landscaping, the Trail creates an immersive park experience that weaves throughout downtown.

Along its ten-mile extent, the Cultural Trail engages a diverse range of urban conditions, development types, and neighborhood contexts.

As one of downtown's most valued amenities, the Cultural Trail has generated more than $3 billion in increased property value for trailside properties since 2008 (JLP+D, 2025). Its central location and distinctive design support tourism, local businesses, and the overall economic vitality of downtown Indianapolis.

Enhancing & Protecting the Cultural Trail's Impact

To continue advancing its mission of providing a world-class experience for all Trail users, ICT, Inc. has established a vision to guide the next era of Trailside development. Multistudio is translating that vision into a cohesive development strategy that fosters a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship between the Cultural Trail and its urban surroundings.

The project aims to improve the relationship between development and the Cultural Trail, refining the Trail's role in development processes and establishing trail-oriented standards for urban design.

Project outcomes will include trail-oriented development and design guidelines for Trailside development, streamlined and clarified review processes for Trail-adjacent projects, and shared expectations for development along the Trail.

When complete, this project will strengthen the Cultural Trail as an organization, transportation facility, and recreational amenity that is integral to the experience and identity of downtown Indianapolis.

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