INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indy, Inc. called 2024 a blockbuster year and they said the numbers prove they are on the rise.
In front of more than 300 community stakeholders Thursday, Downtown Indy, Inc. laid out some of its major wins for the year. Wins that include the long lineup of major sporting and entertainment events. Together, those events brought more than 7.4 million visitors downtown this year.
The president and CEO of Downtown Indy, Inc., Taylor Schaffer, said this is just the beginning.
"The calendar is full moving forward. There's going to be so many opportunities for people to celebrate downtown," said Schaffer.
Plus, new development.
Seven major projects were completed from September 2023 through September 2024, including five residential, one mixed-use, and one trail project. The number of families living downtown has increased 66.4% since 2010.
"We all have a role in continuing to help downtown thrive. I think it's important for people to see that investment. To see that development, to see that continued growth downtown," Schaffer said.
But what has not grown is crime. According to the community report, downtown remains the safest district in Marion County. It only accounts for 5% of crime. Altogether, violent crime downtown has decreased 23.2% from 2023 to 2024.
"We continue to double down on the resources the technology and the experiences because we know how critical that is," said Schaffer.
Rick Fuson, the former Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the downtown community. He said he's proud of how far the city has come and wants to see it continue to grow.
"I think we have to keep selling it. We have to keep marketing ourselves. It's each one of our's responsibility to do that," said Fuson.
But there's still work to do. According to the report, vacancies in commercial buildings have increased 9.9 %.
"I think we will continue to see shifts in that number. As corporations and business continue to adjust to the realities of a changing workforce and evolving real estate needs, "said Schaffer.
Schaffer hopes more people will see downtown as a place to build a life.
"It really is a neighborhood and community gathering spot and today was a celebration of that," said Schaffer.