INDIANAPOLIS — The bar district in Broad Ripple is struggling right now.
They're trying to get visitors to return after road construction projects and violence months ago cut down on crowds.
Police say there's been a significant reduction in violent crime in the area over the past year. Now, restaurant and bar owners are making a public plea to customers: We're open. We're safe. Come back.
At the Brick House Dueling Piano Bar, owner Patrick Sparks has a double problem.
It's a one-two punch dealt to the entire Broad Ripple bar district: road construction and violent crime keeping patrons away.
It still has businesses hung over long after the shots and streets calmed.
"This summer's been worse than the summer before," Sparks said. "They say, 'Patrick, we love your bar. We miss coming to the Brick House, but we just don't go to Broad Ripple because we don't feel safe'."
Sparks says he lost 30% of his late-night business following multiple shootings in Broad Ripple, including a high-profile homicide last June.
He's not alone.
"We all struggled through this," Sparks said. "I spent about $350,000 out of my savings in the last year and a quarter just to keep my business open and keep my employees and entertainment."
Now, bar owners want this entertainment destination revived.
They want customers to know things have changed for the better.
"We've got a lot of great local businesses here in the market that are ready for everyone to return," said Michael Cranfill, partner at The Quarter and Cholita Taqueria. "It's a fun, safe environment."
IMPD says violent crime in Broad Ripple is down dramatically, 35% year-over-year.
"We're grateful for the progress that's been made in Broad Ripple," IMPD North District Commander Matthew Thomas said. "You know, a 35% decrease in violent crime doesn't come without the collaboration we're seeing."
That collaboration happens regularly.
Bar owners now meet monthly to talk safety plans, and police are there, part of the conversation.
Plus, there are more patrols, wider sidewalks, more lighting and B-link cameras watching.
And the trouble spots? Bar owners say those are gone.
"A couple of the problem bars are no longer a problem," Cranfill said. "We've created this organization to police ourselves."
"We're ready for people to come back. We want them to feel safe here," Sparks said.
That message is coupled with new Happy Hour promotions and early talk about a possible DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) in Broad Ripple down the road.
Owners talked about that for the first time at their meeting Wednesday.
"It's a point of discussion," Cranfill said. "If we can figure out a way or a section of the strip to make it where, you know, you can walk from one bar to another with a beverage, it would be a lot of fun and maybe we can program it?"
The overall goal, especially for owners like Sparks, who's been in this spot for years: bring crowds they counted on, back to the bars.
"Come to Broad Ripple. Have a good time, and come see us all," Sparks said. "We have a lot to offer up here."