Final plans unveiled for Embrace Downtown Noblesville

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The wheels are in motion for upgrades in one Hamilton County downtown district.

The Embrace Downtown Noblesville project will enhance the square while preserving its historic character. Downtown Noblesville hasn’t had updates to its sewer and water supply systems in nearly 30 years, and city officials said it’s much needed.

“As we do that, to upgrade the infrastructure underneath the ground, we’re really going to transition our downtown square to keep the authentic downtown charm, but transition from really more of a vehicle-focused downtown square to a pedestrian-friendly downtown square,” said Mayor Chris Jensen.

New renderings show narrowed, curbless brick streets with more greenery throughout the square.

“The narrower streets, I kind of get it. I mean, we see cars fly through here all the time,” said owner of Noblesville Antiques on the Square Jill Dolak. “I do understand their concept of wanting to narrow and make it more pedestrian-friendly and slow people down.”

While all this looks great to residents, the biggest question they have is how they’ll access businesses and find places to park. City engineer Allison Krupski said that they are actively developing an access plan for all of their businesses.

Krupski said the city has built two parking garages downtown, so drivers shouldn’t have an issue finding a spot. She added that every business will be open through construction with ramps up to the door.

“If it’s going to look like the renderings I see, I think that is absolutely fantastic,” Dolak said.

Several other shops felt the same way, but a few said they’re concerned about how their business will be affected by the construction. The city says it does have social media plans to drive traffic to the area despite the road work.

”We know that the end result will be a huge benefit to our downtown businesses, but we want to make sure that we have a plan in place to support them through this process, and I’m certain we can do that,” said Jensen.

Krupski said that Eighth and Ninth Streets, two of the main thoroughfares through downtown, will never be closed at the same time.

The mayor said the city plans to start construction in the spring of next year and have Phase 1 wrapped up in time for holiday shopping.