1/4/2007
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, Mayor’s Office, 317.327.3690
Angie Nussmeyer, DPW, 327.5235 |
 |
Mayor, Community Celebrates the ‘Grand Re-opening’ of 38th Street
Indianapolis – Mayor Bart Peterson and community leaders today officially marked the re-opening of the new and improved 38th Street from I-65 to Fall Creek Parkway at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the North United Methodist Church.
“Today marks the culmination of a three-year, $28.3 million dollar strategic investment aimed at spurring economic development and neighborhood revitalization along this historic corridor,” Mayor Peterson said. “At the end of the day, businesses look to grow and invest in areas of where the economic potential is there and a strong public commitment exists. These major improvements certainly signal our community’s commitment to a resurgent 38th Street.”
The 38th Street Improvement Project was completed in three phases beginning in March 2003 and ending in December 2006 -- Phase I: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Salem streets; Phase II: Salem Street and Fall Creek Parkway; and Phase III: I-65 to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. Each phase of the project was completed on schedule.
“The restoration of 38th Street symbolizes the importance of education, environment and economics with regard to public works projects,” DPW Director Kumar Menon said. “Throughout this process, we learned a tremendous amount from local residents about the history of the neighborhood and the importance of incorporating this history into the infrastructure improvements. As a result, we believe this corridor will return to its roots of being a premiere cultural and economic attraction in Indianapolis.”
Designed by architect George Kessler, Maple Road was a major urban parkway at the turn of the 20th century and the neighborhoods along this corridor were some of the most vibrant in Indianapolis. Now more than 36,000 cars travel 38th Street each day, making it one of the most well-traveled thoroughfares in Marion County.
Until construction was completed, the concrete pavement was more than 35 years-old and rapidly deteriorating. Now this stretch of 38th Street has been completely rebuilt and the sidewalks and curbs have been upgraded to ADA standards.
Also, the addition of considerable landscaping amenities makes this stretch of road more visually appealing. Motorists will see a maple leaf incorporated into the overall design, which pays homage to the corridor’s history as Maple Road, between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Salem streets.
For more information about the project – including photos and a fact sheet, please visit www.indygov.org/38.
– 30 –
|
