Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) has honored the City of Carmel with a 2019 Community Placemaking Award for its Monon Boulevard project. The city received the award on Aug. 28 at the Aim Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly, at this year’s Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick, Ind. Carmel won in the more than 50,000 population category.
Carmel’s Monon Boulevard project is designed to activate the city’s Midtown area through a Complete Street initiative. Midtown has served as an important connection between the city’s Arts and Design District and Carmel City Center, but not a destination in and of itself. The $23 million project aims to breathe new life into the corridor through a multi-modal transportation feature. The project includes pedestrian, bike and recreational uses and community gathering spaces, along with a one-way lane for vehicles and extended sidewalk space to promote patios and green spaces in Midtown businesses.
Already, the project has acted as a draw for economic development, including new housing, businesses and restaurants.
“Carmel’s Monon Boulevard project is a strong example of the ripple effects infrastructure investment can have on a community,” Aim CEO Matt Greller said. “The project also proves the strong link between a focus on quality of life and economic development. Connectivity is an important feature of any 21st Century community, and Carmel’s project is a trendsetter.”
In its 43rd year, the Aim Annual Awards program, presented by Baker Tilly, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A nine-member panel of qualified judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.
Click here to watch a video about the Monon Boulevard project.