Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The long-anticipated renovations at Whistler Plaza are underway after multiple delays.
Underground work to surface the plaza's catacombs began in June with plans to reopen the plaza to the public by the end of 2027. The project is Phase 1 of a much broader redevelopment of the entire City Market block, with Whistler Plaza being budgeted at $15 million.
It's been more than two years since the City Market was closed in March of 2024. The city originally planned for the space to reopen in 2026. Now that visible construction has started this summer, Megan Vukusich, director of the city's Department of Metropolitan Development, said she is excited.
"There's been a lot of conversations and behind-the-scenes work that's been done on any redevelopment project, but especially a redevelopment project with historical features in the heart of downtown," Vukusich said.
The department doesn't anticipate any further delays but will address any complications if they arise.
"We've got an amazing team of experts, engineers, architects, people that have done work like this in the past that are helping us in putting a plan in place that is successful," Vukusich said.
Several companies are working on the redevelopment, including architecture firm Merritt Chase. The firm developed a design that uses the catacombs' brick arches and limestone columns as part of a public green space.
The catacombs aren't actually catacombs. They are the remains of Tomlinson Hall, a music venue that was opened in 1886 and burned down in 1958. The hall's basement has been used sparingly throughout the years and is preserved as a historical site.
Principal of Merritt Chase, Chris Merritt, said they want to ensure they maintain the integrity of the building's historical elements.
REPORTING: Daniel Huber
For the full store, go to the link in our bio.
#WFYINews #Indiana
The long-anticipated renovations at Whistler Plaza are underway after multiple delays.
Underground work to surface the plaza's catacombs began in June with plans to reopen the plaza to the public by the end of 2027. The project is Phase 1 of a much broader redevelopment of the entire City Market block, with Whistler Plaza being budgeted at $15 million.
It's been more than two years since the City Market was closed in March of 2024. The city originally planned for the space to reopen in 2026. Now that visible construction has started this summer, Megan Vukusich, director of the city's Department of Metropolitan Development, said she is excited.
"There's been a lot of conversations and behind-the-scenes work that's been done on any redevelopment project, but especially a redevelopment project with historical features in the heart of downtown," Vukusich said.
The department doesn't anticipate any further delays but will address any complications if they arise.
"We've got an amazing team of experts, engineers, architects, people that have done work like this in the past that are helping us in putting a plan in place that is successful," Vukusich said.
Several companies are working on the redevelopment, including architecture firm Merritt Chase. The firm developed a design that uses the catacombs' brick arches and limestone columns as part of a public green space.
The catacombs aren't actually catacombs. They are the remains of Tomlinson Hall, a music venue that was opened in 1886 and burned down in 1958. The hall's basement has been used sparingly throughout the years and is preserved as a historical site.
Principal of Merritt Chase, Chris Merritt, said they want to ensure they maintain the integrity of the building's historical elements.
REPORTING: Daniel Huber
For the full store, go to the link in our bio.
#WFYINews #Indiana
