Page 36 - Sites - May 17 Issue

culture club
When Indy residents choose to buy down- town, they understand that they are not merely investing in a home. They are invest- ing in an idea—a culture of community that permeates every aspect of urban life. Down- town neighborhoods offer residents a sense of contemporary nostalgia where neighbors do not hide inside sprawling homes on huge lots, but call to one another from the front porch, join each other for dinner, and come together to improve the community.
As the founding member of Compendium Group, Micah Hill has been developing prop- erties in downtown Indy since 2000, and he has seen first-hand a huge change in the land- scape over the past two decades. Downtown
was once a haven for savvy singles, creative types, and other early adopters of New Ur- banism—a design movement that promotes environmental awareness through walkable neighborhoods that contain a wide range of housing and job types—and now it has be- come a mecca for millennial families of all sizes and empty nesters as well.
“Today’s downtown is a diverse commu- nity that is stronger and more vibrant than ever. It is the perfect place for homebuyers to invest,” he says.
Hill champions the efforts of mayors and other community leaders on both sides of the aisle who have made downtown develop- ment a priority over the years. Not only did they create a world-class museum campus at White River State Park, but they also helped
raise money to build sports complexes such as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Victory Field. They were the trailblaz- ers who encouraged business and tourism to come to the Circle City and created a plethora of public events and festivals in the down- town green spaces.
“There is so much to do downtown, and it’s easy to access thanks to the Canal Walk and the Cultural Trail. What community leaders have done is authentically create that New Urbanism concept in an existing downtown space,” Hill explains. “The city understands that the more options you have, the more de- mographics you will attract, and the richer the community will be for it. That’s what re- ally puts Indianapolis on the map from a re- gional and national standpoint.”
INDY RAMA SPECIAL PREVIEW
NEVER STOP EXPLORING
Living downtown, you find endless opportunities to engage with neighbors, give back to your community, and experience great food and entertainment. Whether you’re new and looking for the best of the best or you’ve been around the block and want to dig deeper, here are some great resources that can help you get to know your city.
learn
Trying to decide which neighborhood you’ll like best? Looking for new and exciting art, food, and recreation? No Mean City’s com- prehensive guide to the city highlights our history, culture, and amenities. Pick up a copy of their publication in a local shop, or browse their stories online. nomeancity.com
volunteer
If you’re looking for opportunities to get out of the house, IndyHub keeps residents up- dated on social gatherings, events, and volun- teer opportunities. They also connect people through a variety of young professional groups. indyhub.org
indulge
Indy’s food scene is an ever-evolving, delec- table source of sustenance, and Eat Here Indy helps followers stay abreast of it all. Their newsletters and social media keep users up- dated with restaurant openings and closing, drool-worthy photos of food, and snippets of chats with Indy’s best chefs. eathereindy.com
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