Pedestrian-Focused Monument Circle
BACKGROUND
The erection of Indianapolis’ Soldiers and Sailors Monument in 1901 transformed the Circle from an open, forested park to the monumental structure we know today. The monument became the most recognizable symbol of Indianapolis and physically defined the future development of the area around the circle. Although the monument tends to draw a fair amount of foot traffic, the limited activities along the circle’s perimeter often make visits to the area brief.
The most challenging part of converting Monument Circle into a fully pedestrianized community park is ensuring that any commercial businesses on the park front have reasonable access to deliveries. In order to accommodate this, U-turns are proposed for each of the entrances to the circle, allowing most vehicles to enter and exit successfully.
Historic Monument Circle
1867
Circle Park before the construction
of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
1951
Aerial view of Monument Circle
1979
Monument Circle fountain,
covered with an ice skating rink
Source: IndyStar
Meridian Street Entrance
01 Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards are suggested to offer passage to emergency response, city, and market vehicles onto the circle when necessary.
02 U-Turn
To ensure that any commercial businesses on the park front have reasonable access to deliveries, U-turns are proposed for each of the entrances to the circle.
03 Pedestrian Corridor
A planted pedestrian corridor at each of the circle entrances offers an alternate approach, further from conflicts with storefront entryways.
04 Parking Spaces
Short-term loading zone parking and designated spots for individuals with disabilities are available at every entry to the circle, making the space accessible to visitors and businesses.
05 Speed Tables
It is recommended that elevated speed tables be added to each intersection entering the circle, as well as the intersections where Illinois Street and Capitol Street intersect with Market Street, leading westbound to the Indiana State House.
Winter Activation
06 Winter Market
An optional winter market will be open during the holidays in place of the summer market, housed on the circle during the warmer months.
07 Skating Rink
Seasonal skating rink installed over the proposed reflection pool, wrapping the entire circumference of the monument steps.*
*It is recommended that a small section of the steps be removed from the base of the monument and replaced with a door at grade for accessibility purposes year-round.
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