The City of Fishers’ Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee is excited to announce the selection of NBBJ and Ex2 Partners, who will work collaboratively to facilitate a master plan for a unique experience along the Nickel Plate Trail from 96th Street to 146th Street in Fishers.
NBBJ is a global architecture and design company, with a team based in Columbus, Ohio that is known for helping clients drive innovation through design. They will be working with Indianapolis-based strategic consulting firm, Ex2 Partners, who are known for their design thinking approach to community engagement, ideation, and branding.
“Combined, NBBJ and Ex2 Partners bring global experience and local expertise to what promises to be an engaging process for our city and residents,” said committee co-chair Amanda Welu, a Fishers resident and founder of DELV Design.
“Our committee’s vision is to create a destination like no other with the Nickel Plate Trail that harnesses the heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Fishers,” said committee co-chair John Weingardt, Fishers City Councilman. “Resident input will be instrumental in developing a robust master plan for the experience of the Trail. People of all ages are excited to give their ideas, and we can’t wait to hear them.”
The master planning process will focus on experiential elements such as art, activation spaces, and design elements, including various types of intersection crossings. The City of Fishers Engineering team will evaluate each crossing to determine whether an at grade crossing or separated grade crossing is appropriate. At this time, 116th Street is the only intersection that has been evaluated, with a recommendation for a separated grade via tunnel.
The Committee will work with NBBJ and Ex2 on public outreach efforts, expected to begin this fall in Fishers. Those interested in learning more may contact npt@fishers.in.us. As the Trail will extend beyond Fishers to the north and south, The City of Noblesville and the City of Indianapolis are also providing input into the master planning process.
The NPT Master Planning Committee was formed in May. The RFP for master planning services was issued in June, and nine proposals were received. The Committee reviewed the proposals and identified four offerors, who were invited to interview with a smaller sub-committee that was comprised of residents and City staff. The City will work with NBBJ and Ex2 to finalize consulting agreements, which will go to Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety once ready for approval.
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About Fishers
The City of Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana, located in Hamilton County and was named #1 Place to Live in the US by Money Magazine in 2017. Under the leadership of Mayor Scott Fadness, Fishers is known as a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city through its neighborhood development, dedication to supporting high-growth companies, and innovative city processes. With a population of 91,832 (2017), Fishers is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and has received national accolades for entrepreneurship, livability, and safety. City branding guidelines and logos can be downloaded here.
About Ex2 Partners
Ex2 Partners is a design-thinking and strategic consulting firm. Founded in 2008, Ex2 works with a broad range of high-profile clients throughout Indiana and nationwide. They specialize in ideation and innovation, providing services including but not limited to human-centered design, brand positioning and development, experience design, and architectural concept development.
About NBBJ
NBBJ creates innovative places and experiences for organizations worldwide and designs environments, communities, and buildings that enhance people's lives. Founded in 1943 and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2018, NBBJ is an industry leader in designing urban environments for corporate, healthcare, commercial, civic, science, education, and sports facilities. Clients include Alibaba, Amazon, Beacon Capital Partners, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Boeing, Cambridge University, Cleveland Clinic, GlaxoSmithKline, Massachusetts General Hospital, Microsoft, Reebok, Salk Institute, Samsung, Stanford University, Starbucks, Tencent, and Tishman Speyer.