With historic museums, legendary sports venues and quality theater productions, the diversity of offerings makes it clear that Indianapolis is “not purely a racing city,” as Visit Indy President Leonard Hoops phrases it, though the city does credit the Indianapolis 500 and the year-round excitement of the speedway for much of its international name recognition.
The city is bustling with news, and is a finalist to host the 2018 Super Bowl, after successfully hosting in 2012. The CVA reported an increase in regional transient visitors this year, setting a new record for Friday and Saturday night stays in the summer, which they consider key metrics for leisure travel.
Of interest to motorheads and out-of-town visitors alike is the city’s new car share program, set to launch in May of next year. The 500-car fleet will be entirely electric and Hoops says that they are working to develop hotel partnerships and make the program accessible for visitors in addition to residents. The Electric Drive Transportation Association held its annual meeting and conference in Indy this year and will kick-off the $35 million car share program, which will include 1,200 charging stations and dedicated parking spaces.
For those who prefer pedal power, the city’s new bikeshare program is also scheduled to debut in May, offering residents and attendees a leisurely way to explore the new cultural trail.
With 300 bikes and 25 docking stations, the program aims to increase physical activity and reduce pollution and car dependence. The program will have 24-hour and three-day passes available, as well as pre-paid cards that can be distributed to attendees to facilitate participation during conferences.
The reach of Indy’s downtown sector was expanded by the opening of the Alexander Hotel, the newest boutique-style property in town. The 157-room Dolce hotel is filled with murals and commissioned artwork, pleasing the local art crowd. Offering 16,500 square feet of function space, the Cerulean restaurant and a mixology lounge, The Alexander is a welcome addition for planners and attendees as well.
Other updates include a $9.5 million renovation of the historic Canterybury Hotel downtown, connected to the Indianapolis Convention Center. The project will update its lobby and guest rooms and the hotel will reopen in August 2014 as a 99-room Le Meridien property. The Indianapolis International Airport also debuted a new 75-acre solar farm.
