Question 1

What is Embrace Downtown and why is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Noblesville has experienced positive growth over the past 30 years since the most recent significant downtown infrastructure improvements were made.

“Embrace Downtown” is the beginning of a new phase of a long-discussed streetscape and infrastructure improvement project to address critical aging infrastructure, pedestrian, accessibility, and aesthetic upgrades in the downtown area. The current needs are pressing and addressing them now allows the city to properly plan upgrades that benefit Noblesville’s authentic and thriving downtown.

These updates include improving sidewalks for a more accessible sidewalk area to pedestrians who are often limited by current constraints or blocked by current features; improving sidewalks to ensure accessible use to residents of all abilities; enhancing the aging storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems to promote environmental goals; facilitating community gathering spaces for events, festivals, business sales, and outdoor dining; improving sight lines at pedestrian crossings for safety; and providing more shade and natural features to improve air quality and provide respite spaces.

Question 2

What is the scope of the project?

Accepted Answer

The study area includes everything from the White River to 10th Street and from Maple Avenue to Clinton Street. The city will be studying each of these areas to determine what, if any, improvements are needed to the infrastructure to accomplish the following design objectives: 
PRESERVE and CELEBRATE the existing character of Downtown Noblesville.
CULTIVATE a traffic-calmed environment centered around pedestrian safety and accessibility.
PROMOTE an environment that supports a vibrant and healthy downtown economy.
INCREASE connections to greenspace throughout Downtown.
INVEST in public infrastructure for the future of Downtown Noblesville.

The study area for this project covers a large area, therefore, the design and construction will be completed in multiple phases. The overall timing and phasing are being studied and not fully determined at this time. Please note that just because a location is included in the study area does not mean there will be construction activities at that location. Impacts to downtown, funding constraints, community feedback on completed phases, and estimated construction durations will help determine the phasing and scope. The first phase of construction will occur in 2026 (Phase 1).

Question 3

What is the Phase 1 Construction Area?

Question 4

What is the project schedule?

Accepted Answer

The project team received a substantial amount of input and feedback when the project was initiated in 2020, which gives us a head start in the design phase. Previous input received is helping move the Embrace Downtown effort ahead efficiently. Combining new and ongoing input from stakeholders is resulting in better design aspects for downtown Noblesville.  Phase 1 is being constructed in 2026. The general project schedule is as follows:

Preliminary Concept Open House: March 2025 - COMPLETE
Phase 1 Project Update Open House: Fall 2025 - COMPLETE 
Phase 1 Design Complete: Winter 2025 - COMPLETE 
Phase 1 Bid/Letting: Winter 2025 
Phase 1 Construction: February to November 2026
Future Phases: The timeline for future phases is yet to be determined.

Question 5

How will businesses be impacted during construction?

Accepted Answer

As with any construction project, the Embrace Downtown project will result in temporary impacts to some businesses. The city is committed to minimizing this impact as much as possible. Access will be provided to businesses at all times during construction. Each phase of construction will be split into smaller phases to accommodate reasonable vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Roadway closures will generally be limited to a single block at a time, and two adjacent intersections will not typically be closed at the same time. Sidewalk construction will be coordinated with each individual business to provide access and minimize impact. Temporary walkways will be constructed, as necessary, to maintain safe access. On-street parking will be maintained in areas not directly under construction. The city is exploring various ways to support businesses during construction. In addition, we are evaluating opportunities to help draw customers to downtown businesses.

Question 6

How will parking be impacted once the project is complete?

Accepted Answer

The Embrace Downtown project will replace some parking spaces with amenity space. However, since 2020, the amount of public parking within two blocks of the square has increased by 20% for all day parking and 35% on nights and weekends. There will continue to be a net increase in overall capacity compared to 2020 after Phase 1 is completed. The city will continue analyzing downtown parking capacity, usage, and proximity considerations in coordination with downtown stakeholders to inform future investment and approval decisions that will support downtown parking needs.

Electric vehicle (EV) parking is available within the Levinson Garage. No additional EV spaces are planned to be installed as part of Phase 1.

Accessible parking is being evaluated with the project, including quantity, location, and proper access from the space to the sidewalk. While all parking constructed as part of Phase 1 will be accessible for all users, two designated accessible parking spaces will be provided.

Question 7

What infrastructure is being repaired or replaced downtown?

Accepted Answer

A large part of Embrace Downtown is repairing and replacing aging infrastructure. The city will be separating the public stormwater and sanitary sewer facilities. This work is an overall environmental benefit to Noblesville and will help reduce some of the downtown sewer smell. New decorative traffic signal poles will be installed along with new curb, sidewalks, and street pavement. Underground electrical and signal conduit and cable will be installed. Indiana American Water will be replacing their over 100-year-old water main and service lines.

Question 8

Will this project eliminate the sanitary sewer smell downtown?

Accepted Answer

The project is studying the possibility of full separation of public storm and sanitary infrastructure. The Wastewater Utility Department is also pursuing other strategies and improvements to manage odors. While Embrace Downtown will improve the sewer smell in downtown, some issues come from individual, privately owned buildings and how each was historically constructed. Those modifications would be up to an individual building owner to decide whether to update their infrastructure.

Question 9

What aesthetic changes will happen with this project?

Accepted Answer

Embrace Downtown will incorporate various aesthetic upgrades that promote and respect our historic downtown, while providing an improved quality of experience in downtown Noblesville. The introduction of street trees and ground-level planting areas throughout downtown aims to enhance visual greenspace and provide much-needed shade. The trees planted today will not just provide aesthetic benefits but also will provide shade for our community for many years to come. The existing, recently installed light fixtures will be relocated throughout downtown to preserve the historic charm. Any additional fixtures will be carefully selected to match the existing. Decorative signal poles will complement the historic charm and traditional character of downtown Noblesville and seamlessly blend with the existing poles on Conner Street. Embrace Downtown will incorporate bike parking fixtures that complement the historic charm of all other site furnishings. Artwork is planned to be incorporated into downtown that will complement and emphasize the Noblesville’s authentic and historic charm. The design team is considering the implementation of a traffic-calmed environment around the courthouse square.

Question 10

What is the purpose of the amenity space and how will it benefit downtown Noblesville?

Accepted Answer

The amenity space is intended to be used as additional gathering space for businesses, residents, and visitors within the sidewalk space. The current sidewalk widths do not provide any gathering space, and the current configurations create compliance challenges related to ADA accessibility requirements. We anticipate merchants utilizing the amenity zone for the benefit of their business.

Question 11

What are the benefits of curbless streets and a traffic calmed environment?

Accepted Answer

Curbless streets provide flexibility with the use of public space which increases the space’s functionality in all seasons. Designing the area as a cohesive plaza that also accommodates vehicles encourages greater driver awareness and naturally reduces speed, which creates a safer environment for all users. By removing traditional road cues, drivers are encouraged and naturally inclined to drive slower, due to the heightened uncertainty. Subtle elevation shifts at the intersections signal to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian-prioritized space, which will prompt a reduction in speed. Elements like trees, seating, planters, and bollards create a more enclosed environment within the curbless area, giving drivers the perception of a narrower, more complex space which naturally leads to slower speeds. The curbless, barrier free design is generally easier to navigate for those with accessibility needs. Pedestrians can more easily move from the on-street parking areas to sidewalks without a vertical curb. In addition, during regular downtown events (i.e. Street Dance), a single elevation through the event will provide a more accessible environment. Curbless environments support the concept of aging in place. The fewer the barriers to mobility, the easier it is to get around. Various measures will be placed to safely delineate the sidewalk areas and obstruct vehicles from driving onto sidewalks. Many other areas, including historic downtowns, have implemented a curbless environment, including Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Lebanon, Huntingburg, and the Bottleworks District.

Question 12

How will accessibility for all people be incorporated into the design?

Accepted Answer

Noblesville is committed to providing an accessible downtown for everyone. Embrace Downtown will provide accessible parking spaces that meet current standards. A portion of the project will implement a curbless environment that will allow those with accessibility needs to more easily navigate parking and downtown events without a six-inch vertical curb. The sidewalks will be widened to safely and comfortably allow two wheelchairs to pass by in each direction. The doorway entry points to businesses will be improved, where possible, in order to allow for a more accessible entry into historic building frontages. The project team is coordinating with the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities for input on the accessibility features of this project.

Question 13

Will downtown Noblesville be bicycle friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Noblesville has invested heavily in the trail network throughout the city, and it is pivotal that our downtown remains a destination for bicyclists. While bicycles are not allowed on downtown sidewalks for the safety of the walking public, Embrace Downtown will set up several bicycle parking stations around the perimeter of downtown for convenience and protection of equipment.

Question 14

Will any historic buildings be impacted by this project?

Accepted Answer

No. No buildings will be impacted by the Embrace Downtown project. However, replacing public infrastructure will benefit historic preservation of buildings. Construction of the sidewalks could require adjustments at the face of buildings, but there should be no physical impact on the building.

Question 15

What is the city doing with the star brick on the sidewalks?

Accepted Answer

The star bricks will be used as an accent border around planting beds. The design of the star brick is being incorporated into a number of new features, including street signs, tree grates, and manhole covers.

Question 16

Will the newly constructed sidewalk match the doorway entry to my business?

Accepted Answer

Project designers have collected specific elevation information for all doorways within the Phase 1 study area. Many of these building entry points are at different elevations with respect to the existing sidewalk as well as one another. While one project goal is removing these accessibility obstacles, the variance and proximity of some locations may not make this fully possible. These will be further investigated as design continues with an emphasis on assisting these building owners to provide as much ADA compliant access as feasible.

Question 17

How will construction be funded?

Accepted Answer

The primary funding source for the Embrace Downtown project is Food and Beverage (FAB) Tax revenues. This revenue source helps to spread the funding lift to include visitors to our city. Project construction costs will be funded through revenue bonds that are paid off over 20 years through a $425,000 annual debt service levy, using FAB revenues as the repayment source.  This $425,000 FAB amount is the same annual appropriation amount that the city had dedicated to the Downtown Development Fund in prior years to support downtown enhancement projects.

Bids for Phase 1 were received on 12/16/25, and the project was awarded to the low bid contractor (William Charles Construction) at the 12/22/25 Board of Works meeting. The awarded construction bid amount is $6,345,841, which is 15% below the estimated cost per the Engineer's Estimate and within the FAB annual revenue allocation that the city had been planning for several years to utilize for this project.  Additionally, stormwater and sanitary sewer funds will be used for construction costs associated with sanitary and storm sewer upgrades. Indiana American Water will fund costs related to the replacement of their infrastructure.

Future construction phases of this project will be programmed based on balancing city priorities, available funding, and economic impact analysis.

Question 18

How can I stay updated on the project and find more information?

Accepted Answer

The city is committed to keeping the public and businesses updated on the project. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information or visit the Contact Us page for any additional questions.

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