FAQs

Noblesville has experienced positive growth over the past 35 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. The goal of this project is to address critical aging infrastructure, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and provide aesthetic upgrades in the downtown area. The current needs are pressing and addressing them now allows the city to proactively plan upgrades that benefit our authentic and thriving downtown. Widening and improving sidewalks to ensure accessible use for all residents. Enhancing aging storm, sanitary, and water systems to promote environmental goals. Facilitating community gathering spaces for events, business sales, and outdoor dining. Improving sight lines at pedestrian crossings for safety. Providing more shade, beautification, and natural features.

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 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 will help move the Embrace Downtown effort ahead efficiently and—combined with new/ongoing input from stakeholders—will result in better design aspects for downtown Noblesville. The entire Phase 1 study limits will not be constructed at the same time. Phase 1A will be constructed in 2026, and the limits of Phase 1A will be determined in late summer 2025. The scope for Phase 1 of the project has not been determined, but the general project schedule is as follows: Preliminary Concept Review: Early Spring 2025 Preliminary Phase 1 Design Complete: Summer 2025 Final Phase 1A Design Complete + Bid: Winter 2025 Phase 1A Construction: 2026

8th Street from Logan Street to Clinton Street 9th Street from Conner Street to Clinton Street Logan Street from the White River to 10th Street

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. Each phase of construction will be split into smaller phases to accommodate vehicular 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.

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. 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.

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.