INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As construction to reduce flooding in Fountain Square progresses, business owners said Tuesday that months of work have hurt local commerce.
Temporary sidewalks of traffic cones and caution tape guide pedestrians along Shelby Street to reach shops and restaurants.
Nick Brown owns WildFyre Tap, a bar and restaurant at 1106 Prospect St. Brown described navigating the area as an “adventure” through a situation resembling a fallout zone. The construction sits directly in front of WildFyre Tap, impacting foot traffic. He noted that lunch business has dropped 80%. To offset the slow days, the restaurant schedules evening events.
Brown reminded customers that parking is still available and urged the community to support local shops so they can remain in business.
Local businesses, including Fountain Square Tattoo, report losing 20% to 30% of their business since the work began.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works expects the $14 million project to finish in the first quarter of next year in Fountain Square.
Harrison Rice, public information officer for the department, said the city is fulfilling a commitment to address severe flooding issues that property owners have reported for nearly a decade. Crews are currently installing a new storm sewer and making improvements to the cycle track and sidewalk barriers. Public Works may have Shelby Street open by the end of 2026. “Things are progressing really well.”
Crews will move toward Woodlawn Avenue after finishing work on Morris Street.
