Richard G. Lugar Plaza

Richard G. Lugar Plaza is a 2-acre civic space located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The downtown district has grown around the plaza, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, and new residential and mixed-use developments. These investments have heralded a new era of life and vitality to downtown.

Located south of the City-County Building and above a subterranean garage, the original plaza featured a complex arrangement of granite walls, water features, and raised planter beds. This presented complex challenges, like selectively demolishing existing elements while integrating others into the design. The new plaza is comprised of a series of interconnected spaces around a central green space, with communal and intimate gathering areas, an interactive spray fountain, public art, a speaker’s platform, and accommodations for events, giving downtown Indianapolis a new, modern urban living room.