Near West Utility Box

In 2015, a triangular lot at the intersection of W. Michigan and N. Holmes on Indianapolis’ Near Westside was transformed into a gateway park as part of a partnership between neighborhood leaders, the Humane Society of Indianapolis, Westside CDC, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Inc. (KIBI). The effort was part of the Great Places 2020 initiative led by LISC-Indianapolis and KIBI, who were asked to lead early action wins in the neighborhood. This brightly painted utility box with the Near West Collaborative logo was part of that project.

Following an engagement process, the triangle lot was quickly identified by neighbors as a critical space within the Great Place boundary that needed renovation. The transformation included a significant cleanup to remove tall brush and unwanted weeds, adding native plants and trees, creating a fence weaving, and installing a 10’ tall interactive locomotive-themed artwork. Much of the work was and is led by neighbors, aided by volunteers during the 2015 Lilly Global Day of Service, and is stewarded by the nearby Humane Society and other volunteers.