Zionsville Gateway Area

Background

On July 28, 2020, following the demolition of the PNC bank building and locksmith shop at the northwest corner of Main and Sycamore Streets, the Town of Zionsville began the first stage of the planning for what would become known as the Zionsville Gateway Area, or the ZGA.  

The ZGA represents an underutilized area of downtown Zionsville. It is the southern entry point and major gateway into the village business district, however, it lacks the same sense of place as the adjacent Village. The Town recognizes the potential boon to the overall economy and understands the need to revitalize the area.

Location

The ZGA's northern boundary is loosely based on Sycamore Street and includes land surrounding the intersection of Sycamore Street and Main Street. Creekside Nature Park generally represents the boundary to the east, and private property is the area’s boundary to the west. Eagle Creek is the extreme southern boundary, but land adjacent to South Main Street on the east and west is also included.

Mission Statement

To identify the highest, best and most sustainable mix of uses within the Zionsville Gateway Area (ZGA) and to explore ideas for an economically vibrant, whole-community serving and authentically Zionsville experience.

Former PNC Bank Building

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Former Locksmith Shop

Locksmith shop demolition

 Methodology

The Town engaged DELV Design (DELV) and Thomas P. Miller & Associates (TPMA) to better understand what development residents would like to see, and how these preferences could take shape. 

TPMA and DELV identified three main objectives to guide the Town through the redevelopment based on design thinking methodologies. The three main objectives are included in the Design Process.

  1. Understand - solving the right problem
  2. Explore - solving the problem right
  3. Implement - next step: full design ahead

The Design Process

Design Process from DELV

Study Area

Exhibit C

Stakeholder Engagement

We called on the community to help strategically and thoughtfully re-invent the gateway into the Village Business District. To create a “whole-community serving” experience, we involved the community in the process through a survey, two in-person listening sessions, one online listening session and many stakeholder interviews.

Stakeholder 1
Chamber 1