In the fall of 2021, the City of Fishers sought RFPQs for a new Arts & Municipal Complex after receiving engineering reports deeming the existing City Hall in dire need of millions of dollars of repairs due to foundational and mechanical failures.
The primary goal of the project is to “provide a functional and beautiful community beacon that becomes a ‘building for the people.’” Additional goals include:
- Elevate the Fishers arts community
- Create a timeless aesthetic that invokes civic pride and looks to the future of Fishers
- Create an open and inviting facility that expands and activates the site
- Lead by example regarding sustainable design and operations
Project Details
- The new Arts & Municipal Complex will be located at the existing site for City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive. Existing building demolition will occur in fall 2022.
- The project has an estimated budget of $22.8 million, $6 million coming from American Rescue Plan Act funds. No additional or increased taxes will occur as a result of this investment.
- 3-story building featuring a large pedestrian breezeway in the center to facilitate access to the NPD AMP lawn and stage.
- First floor: Fishers Arts Center operated in partnership with the Indianapolis Arts Center and Fishers Arts Center theater.
- Second and third floors: municipal staff offices
- The facade features Indiana limestone, brick, and metal paneling with heavy usage of glass walls to showcase Fishers Arts Center activity and the inviting nature of the public building.
- Meyer Najem will act as the construction manager with Delv Design as the architectural lead on the project. Landscape architecture is being managed by Browning Day. The theater space is designed and consulted on by Theater Projects. KBCO is advising on mechanicals and sustainability features.
- Gently sloped walk at the main entry
- Variety of seating types and opportunities (backed benches, backless benches, benches with arms, loose/flexible tables and chairs, designated/open spots for wheelchairs next to benches)
- Respite/Mother’s room (office and theatre)
- Platform lift in the theatre control room
- Adult changing tables
- ALS in theatre
- Gender-neutral restrooms in the Art Center
- ADA showers in the theatre dressing rooms
- Energy
- Calculate window/ wall ratio (40/60 max recommended)
- Proposed wall assemblies for improved thermal performance (Needs pricing validation)
- Solar-ready study and potential building prep (Needs pricing validation)
- White roof
- All LED light fixtures
- Water
- Low-flow fixtures
- Native plantings/ minimized turf areas
- Reduced irrigation demand
- Rain garden
- Context
- Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure
- Green roof
- Pollinator planting area in non-pedestrian areas
- Health
- HVAC source intake
- MERV 13
- Daylight study
- Indoor plant placement
- Carbon
- Quantifying and tracking of carbon footprint
Project Updates & News
Fishers Art Center Summer Camps
Programming at the Fishers Art Center will begin in June with summer camps. Camp registration for children and families is now open. Camps are half-day, so campers can enroll in a morning and an afternoon camp, making it a full day of art-making. Camps include clay, digital art, drawing and painting, cartoons and characters, and more. Instructors are trained teaching artists and classes are small, with an instructor and assistant in every camp.
Also beginning this summer, the Fishers Art Center will host two-hour Make It Take It classes and workshops for all ages. The first quarterly art exhibition at the center will also open in June.
January 24, 2024 Press Release & Progress Photos
City of Fishers announces Indianapolis Art Center as operator of new Fishers Art Center
Project Timeline
| May 2021 | Engineer’s report and situation analysis presented to City Council during public Council retreat meeting. City staff receives direction to pursue options for a new construction building as opposed to conducting extensive repairs. |
| August 2021 | City staff publishes an RFPQ for an arts center and municipal office building. |
| September 2021 | RFPQ deadline and review of submissions. |
| October 2021 | City staff begins outreach and meetings with Fishers Arts & Culture Commission, Fishers Arts Council, and broader arts community stakeholders to determine market demands and desires. |
| December 2021 | City of Fishers enters into a professional services contract with Meyer Najem and Delv Design to conduct a design scope. |
| January 2022 | City of Fishers signs Letter of Intent with Indianapolis Arts Center to begin assessing market demand, programming, and operational needs of the Fishers Arts Center. |
| April 2022 | City staff present a proposed financial model to Finance Committee for funding the new Arts & Municipal Complex |
| City staff present design plans and programming for the Arts & Municipal Complex to City Council and the public during City Council Work Session. | |
| June 2024 | Arts & Municipal Complex opens to the public. |
Project Documentation
- City Hall engineering review (pdf)
- May 2021 City Council retreat presentation (pdf)
- Project RFPQ (pdf)
- April 2022 Finance Committee presentation (pdf)
- April 2022 City Council work session presentation (pdf)
- Fishers Arts Center Overview (video)
Questions?
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