Growing a Greener Downtown
As part of its mission, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. strives to make Downtown Indianapolis beautiful, vibrant and green. IDI and partners are developing a pilot rain garden on Downtown’s eastside to enhance green infrastructure and beauty.  IDI’s more sustainable approach in its planting and gardening efforts will bring water conservation to the forefront, serve as a model and catalyst for future public/private partnerships and encourage additional green infrastructure projects Downtown. 

Garden Overview
The pilot rain garden borders the Buchanan Group headquarters located at 600 E. Ohio St.  This site was selected based on its current conditions, development in the area and stakeholder involvement. 

The site has experienced infrastructure challenges, including a lack of stormwater drainage inlets and crumbling sidewalks and curbs.  These conditions have resulted in poor drainage and flooding, leading to poor pedestrian and handicap accessibility.  These challenges will be mitigated with the installation of the new rain garden.

How the Rain Garden Works

• The rain garden will filter stormwater runoff by allowing water to permeate the surface through specific plant and soil materials.  
• The clean stormwater will slowly soak in the ground, filtering contaminants and keeping large quantities of water from going down the sewer system.  The rain garden will include a beautiful assortment of flowers, grasses and shrubs tolerant to Indiana weather and elements.
• Additionally, new sidewalks, curbs and ADA ramps will be installed on site.

Benefits of a Rain Garden

• improve stormwater drainage and remove standing water
• conserve water and improve water quality
• reduce garden maintenance/labor
• enhance sidewalk appeal, accessibility and safety

Partners
IDI received a Green Infrastructure grant from United Water to initiate and implement the pilot rain garden and is working with:

• Williams Creek Consulting – design/build drawings; oversee rain garden construction
• City Department of Public Works and Office of Sustainability - replace sidewalks, curbs and ADA ramps
• Buchanan Group – will maintain rain garden  
• The Nature Conservancy – new headquarters adjacent to site; opened April 24

Timeline
The rain garden was initiated in November 2010 and plants will be installed spring 2011. 

Contact:  Carol Mullins, carol@indydt.com or call 317.237.2211.