The White River, an Emerging Implementation Story in Central Indiana
This river has a new story to tell, one of a new commitment to community sustainability, resiliency, development, and recreation.
The White River is crucial to the Central Indiana region, shaping the environment, economy, and culture in ways like oceans or mountains in other areas. While the role of this shallow, sandy river has meandered in its significance, the region has embraced this underinvested asset.
Historically, the White River was vital for Native Americans, including Delaware, Miami, Lenape, and Shawnee, and European settlers for trade, industry, and farming. It truly is a resource that shaped this region of Indiana and Indianapolis and will continue to play a role in its renaissance for years to come.
MKSK is honored to be a supporting partner in this new chapter for the White River alongside the state, cities and towns, non-profits, corporations, and many creative entities.
Much of the momentum to transform the White River began with communities identifying how to embrace this resource for a growing region. As part of this effort, the White River State Park was created, and the region began identifying opportunities for recreation and access along the riverfront. The historical land uses along the river (primarily industry and agriculture) led to underutilized lands at key areas of potential along this 58-mile meandering corridor. The 1821 Plan for Indianapolis didn’t have a significant plan for the White River and focused only on the City’s famed Mile Square.
Catalyzed by individual efforts by communities and non-profits, the region came together to support the creation of the White River Vision Plan completed by a large consulting team led by Agency Landscape + Planning. This plan aligned the community with a common vision.
All these efforts have focused on supporting the region's vision for using the White River as a resource and as a place-based catalyst for investment.
MKSK has been at the forefront of supporting the region with vision and implementation for the White River, starting in 2016 with the master plan for the former GM Stamping Plant and continuing in 2018 with the master plan for Conner Prairie. MKSK continues to play a pivotal role in helping shape these initiatives to move from the drawing board to implementation.
Conner Prairie Master Plan and Implementation
The Conner Prairie Site Master Plan envisions a series of projects for development on its campus over the next few decades. It addresses new exhibits, buildings, access points, infrastructure projects, and plans for green spaces: woodland, riverbank, wetland, and the prairie for which Conner Prairie was named.
Since 2018, the Master Plan has been updated twice (most recently in 2024, including the Conner Prairie West Side Master Plan and planned unit development zoning). Hamilton County Tourism also partnered with Conner Prairie to advance more detailed planning for the West Side of the White River. MKSK is currently working with Conner Prairie to advance components of the project into design to ready projects for construction.
Implementation Includes:
Ongoing construction on the Museum Experience Center renovation with expanded year-round opportunities for all ages.
Constructed trails at Conner Prairie that get visitors closer to the white river and provide immersive learning.
Completed zoning updates to serve the community and the museum
Design of the Food, Farm, and Energy Experience to share how innovation of the past, present, and future is shaping agriculture
Envisioned the White River Education and Ecology Center to teach residents and visitors about our waterways
Planned for future Eco-lodging to support a vibrant tourism economy sustainably
Planned for future Land, Water, and Energy Innovation Center to raise awareness about the need for ecological planning
Conner Prairie – MKSK collaborating with CBBEL, Lake Flato, DELV, Nelson + Frankenberger.
Former GM Stamping Plant Redevelopment / White River State Park Extension and Innovation District
The redevelopment of the former GM Stamping Plant along the White River in Downtown Indianapolis is a model for other communities, particularly those where state and city collaboration and public-private partnerships can drive transformative projects. All partners have worked together to build consensus and sustainably improve the district for all users—economically, socially, and environmentally.
Implementation Includes:
Completed master planning, zoning, and design guidelines to ready this 100-acre site for redevelopment. This project is the best practice in transitioning a brownfield into a vibrant, authentic, and connected extension of Downtown Indianapolis west across the White River.
Ongoing construction of a White River Parkway, Henry Street, and other infrastructure to facilitate redevelopment of this former industrial plant.
Ongoing design and construction of the White River State Park extension, transforming the White River Frontage into a vibrant public space. This includes improved pedestrian connectivity through innovative walking paths and park space.
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) – MKSK collaborating with Browning Day, Taft Law, Lochmueller Group, and others.
Indiana White River State Park Commission – MKSK collaborating with Lake Flato, Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Land Collective, and others.
MKSK’s role as an implementor of riverfront planning and landscape architecture throughout Central Indiana is rooted in the region's history and culture.
MKSK has a legacy of helping communities implement bold visions for riverfront activation and implementation. Through this experience, MKSK knows firsthand the challenges and possibilities of developing waterfronts for recreation, investment, and economic development.
Aaron Kowalski, AICP, is an Associate Principal and planner at MKSK, where he has led transformative riverfront initiatives in Central Indiana since 2016. Working closely with Eric Lucas, PLA, CEO/Principal of MKSK, and others, Aaron has been instrumental in reshaping the region’s White Riverfront and fostering stronger connections between people and place. A proud resident of Indianapolis, Aaron is deeply committed to creating spaces that enhance economic vitality, social well-being, and community cohesion, ultimately driving sustainable growth and revitalization in the city's heart.
In addition to work featured in this Shape Place E-Card, Aaron is passionate about area and regional planning, downtown planning, transit-oriented development, and trail-oriented development, specializing in taking projects from planning through strategic processes to implementation.