INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. announced the official groundbreaking for the expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick.

City officials, neighborhood leaders, founders, artists, and the community gathered at the corner of South Street and S. Meridian Street, along the future Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The community heard from several notable individuals including Mayor Hogsett, Councillor Jones, leadership from Ransom Place Neighborhood Association and Stadium Village Business Association, the Glick Family, and artist Manón Voice.

“Indianapolis has long distinguished itself as one of the most walkable downtowns in America,” stated Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Since 2013, a big reason has been the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick, and today we are expanding the reach of this beloved resource.”

The expansion will enhance connection along the Indiana Avenue/10th Street corridor as well as South Street, better connecting the cultural districts and neighborhoods along its path. The first expansion of the Cultural Trail will take approximately 20 months to complete. Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc., in coordination with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW), will provide regular construction updates and encourage all those interested to follow along at www.IndyCulturalTrail.org/Expansion and sign up for the regular updates.

“Adding 2 miles means so much more than linear feet,” shared Kären Haley, Executive Director of Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. “Expanding the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick means more shared experiences, a deeper understanding of our city’s cultural opportunities and significant neighborhoods and extended time outdoors with free access to public art and beautiful gardens on the Trail. We’re grateful to our founders, our philanthropic partners and community leaders for believing in the vision of expanding the Cultural Trail.”

The expansion project includes adding approximately two miles to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, as well as funding for Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc’s endowment to sustainably maintain the Cultural Trail for years to come and investment in the Trail’s art collection and public art program. Lead investors include Lilly Endowment Inc, Anthem Foundation, Lilly Foundation and the City of Indianapolis. To date Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has raised $28.5 million for the estimated $30 million project.

Expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick includes two distinct segments:

The Indiana Avene expansion will connect directly to the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue and continue north to 10th Street. It will then head west on 10th Street to the planned bridge leading to the 16 Tech Innovation District.The South Street expansion will bring the Indianapolis Cultural Trail from New Jersey Street to Capitol Avenue, improving access in a thriving stretch of downtown that includes Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center and a growing residential hub.