Two-day planning initiative will bring together urban development experts, neighborhood residents, and community leaders to identify opportunities for safer streets, improved connectivity, and shared community spaces
Butler University is partnering with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Indiana District Council to explore new opportunities to connect Butler’s campus with surrounding Midtown Indianapolis neighborhoods, cultural destinations, businesses, and public spaces.
The two-day initiative, taking place October 22–23, will bring together urban planning and development professionals, neighborhood residents, local business owners, students, and community leaders to identify opportunities for improving pedestrian and bicycle access, public transportation connections, green spaces, and shared community destinations.
The effort is part of Butler’s broader Gateway Project, a long-term vision to transform Butler’s campus while strengthening its connections to the surrounding community. It also supports the University’s Boldly Butler strategic direction, which prioritizes creating a dynamic campus and community that enriches student experiences and contributes to Central Indiana’s economic and cultural vitality.
Through a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP), ULI will assemble professionals with expertise in urban planning, real estate development, transportation, and community design to evaluate existing conditions and recommend practical strategies for future investment and collaboration.
The panel will examine how Butler and its community partners can create safer, more accessible, and more welcoming connections between campus and nearby neighborhoods, parks, trails, businesses, and cultural institutions.
The study will focus on Butler’s main campus, South Campus, and surrounding Gateway properties, as well as key corridors including Sunset Avenue, Hampton Drive, Haughey Avenue, Boulevard Place, 46th Street, and 49th Street. The panel will also consider connections to the Central Canal Towpath, White River, and destinations throughout Midtown, including Newfields, the Indianapolis Art Center, and Broad Ripple.
Rather than focusing solely on new development, the initiative will examine how existing community assets can work together to create a more connected and welcoming Midtown.
Throughout the two-day process, panelists will engage with neighborhood residents, local businesses, community organizations, government representatives, and Butler students. These conversations will help ensure that recommendations reflect the needs and perspectives of those who live, work, study, and spend time in Midtown.
The panel will also consider how future investments can improve accessibility, strengthen neighborhood identity, support local economic activity, and deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
Among the anticipated outcomes are a framework for improved connections throughout Midtown, recommendations for two to four priority projects, and potential partnerships and funding strategies to help move those projects forward.
The findings will help inform Butler’s ongoing Gateway Project planning, including projects such as the Midtown Arts District and the Safety and Transit Hub, while identifying opportunities for collaboration beyond the University’s campus boundaries.
Community Invited to October 23 Presentation
Butler University invites students, faculty, staff, neighborhood residents, business owners, and other community members to attend a public presentation of the panel’s initial findings and recommendations.
Friday, October 23, 2026
3:00–4:00 PM
Gallahue Hall, Room 104
Butler University
The presentation will highlight opportunities to strengthen connections between Butler and Midtown and outline potential next steps for community partnerships and investment.
The event is free and open to the public.