There's no way around it. On Super Bowl Weekend Georgia Street was the place to be.
"Super Bowl quadrupled our business, for just that weekend," says Connie Lee, owner of Mikado Japanese Restaurant at the corner of Georgia and Illinois.
Many businesses saw record sales Super Bowl weekend. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going.
"Everyday we will have someone that's thinking about Georgia Street, and paying attention to Georgia Street," says Indianapolis Downtown Incorporated President Tamara Zahn.
Indianapolis Downtown Incorporated has announced a partnership with the city, to further improve and get year round use of the $11.5 million dollar project. IDI will essentially be the street manager, overseeing the eventual installation of large Roman Shades and pillar art featuring legendary Hoosiers.
"...Then we're going to be looking at things [like] public seating, sound, that will continue to enhance the street every single day," says Zahn
Some major national conventions are already asking about using the Georgia Street outdoor space, which could at some point be rented out in sections or as one long strip. And there are local inquiries as well.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, at the corner of Georgia and Capital, will celebrate 175 years in Indy starting in December. They're already thinking about a summer street party.
IDI will put up some of its own money to help maintain and improve Georgia Street. The city says it will also provide financial assistance if needed.
