Rethink Coalition Hosts Second Reconnecting Communities Workshop: Shaping Development in the Southeast Gateway

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Rethink Coalition invites community members, local leaders, and media to the next engaging and informative session in the Reconnecting Communities Workshop Series.

This workshop will explore the SE Gateway Reconnecting Communities project area and envision how land gained from reconfiguring the interstate can accommodate new amenities, housing, parks, shopping, and services. Participants will engage in a hands-on land use planning exercise, working with base maps of the interstate and adjacent neighborhoods to illustrate various possibilities for the project area based on community values.

Event Details

📅 Wednesday, March 26, 2025

⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Switchboard 801, 801 Shelby Street

Why This Matters

“The Southeast Gateway presents a unique opportunity to reconnect neighborhoods that have long been divided by infrastructure, ” said Brenda Freije, President and CEO of the Rethink Coalition. “We want to ensure that community voices play a central role in shaping the future of the Fountain Fletcher District & beyond.”

Attendees of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate, whether they live in the area, work nearby, or simply care about the future of Indianapolis. By working together, we can reimagine the Southeast Gateway as a thriving, people-centered district that supports housing affordability, walkability, and green spaces.

“Fountain Square and Fletcher Place have long been cultural and economic hubs, and the opportunity to shape the future of the Southeast Gateway is a natural extension of that momentum, ” said Laura Giffel, District Manager for the Fountain Fletcher District and member of Rethink Coalition’s advisory council. “By thoughtfully integrating development, we can create spaces that honor the character of our neighborhoods while expanding opportunities for businesses, housing, and public spaces that truly serve our communities.”