Councilor Jones praises Hendry Street project for honoring community history

A significant public information meeting was held on July 14, 2025, regarding the Henry Street Bridge and White River Innovation District projects in Indianapolis, drawing a large crowd eager to engage in discussions about the future of their community. Todd Wilson, the director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, emphasized the project's importance, stating it transcends mere infrastructure. "This isn't just another infrastructure project. It's a history project," he declared, highlighting the responsibility to confront and share the city's past.

Wilson acknowledged the contributions of key team members, including city project manager Shannon Killian and city archivist Jordan Ryan, as well as the community advisory group, known as KAG, for their dedication to transparency and truth. He noted that the construction footprint lies within historically significant grounds, including parts of two former cemeteries, underscoring the project's deep cultural relevance.

Councilor Kristin Jones, who has been involved with the project from its inception, echoed Wilson's sentiments. She called the bridge a "window from our past to our future," emphasizing its role in connecting communities previously divided by the river. "This river is a barrier, and it no longer will be that barrier," she stated, highlighting the bridge's potential to foster connections among residents.

Jones expressed pride in the collaborative effort behind the project, which aims to honor and memorialize the lives of those who came before. She believes this initiative will serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges, showcasing how to respectfully integrate history into urban development.

The meeting reinforced the project's significance, not only as a physical structure but as a means to bridge the past with the future, fostering community engagement and respect for history. As the project progresses, it promises to be a transformative endeavor for Indianapolis, setting a precedent for future urban projects.