INDIANAPOLIS. Riverside Adventure Park, submitted by the City of Indianapolis – Indy Parks & Recreation, received the top honor at the Indy Chamber’s 49th Annual Monumental Awards, celebrating excellence in the built environment across the ten-county Indy region. 

Presented Wednesday evening at Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, the annual awards recognized projects and organizations shaping Central Indiana through innovative design, transformative development, and community investment. The Monumental Award, the program’s highest distinction, recognizes the project demonstrating the most significant and broad-reaching impact on the Indy region. 

Riverside Adventure Park earned the prestigious recognition for its contribution to the region’s public spaces and recreational landscape. The project reflects the importance of investing in accessible, engaging community destinations that strengthen neighborhoods, enhance quality of life, and create lasting value for residents and visitors. 

“Great places are fundamental to building a strong regional economy, and this year’s Monumental Awards winners demonstrate what’s possible when creativity, investment, and collaboration come together,” said Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “Riverside Adventure Park is a powerful example of how thoughtful development can transform public spaces and strengthen community connections. Across the region, these projects are creating the kinds of places that attract talent, inspire pride, and position Central Indiana for long-term growth.” 

In addition to receiving the Monumental Award, Riverside Adventure Park was recognized as the winner in the Landscape Architecture category. The project was also named a finalist in Innovative Reuse. 

This year’s ceremony also recognized the Tamika Catchings Mural, submitted by Indy Arts Council, as the recipient of the People’s Choice Award. Selected through public voting, the award celebrates the project residents believe has made the greatest impact on the Indy region. 

The 2026 awards also featured three Accelerator Awards, recognizing projects that advance key priorities for the Indy region’s continued economic growth and competitiveness. Honorees included InterContinental Indianapolis, submitted by Keystone Group, for Connecting Talent to Opportunity; Indiana University Medical Education and Research Building, submitted by Browning Day and Perkins&Will, for Telling Indy’s Story; and Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile, submitted by F.A. Wilhelm Construction, for Fueling Regional Growth. 

2026 Monumental Awards Winners 

The following projects received top honors across nine categories recognizing excellence in the built environment: 

• Architecture: Damien Center Headquarters | studioAXIS 

• Construction: Fishers Community Center | The Hagerman Group 

• Engineering: Reimagine Pleasant Street | American Structurepoint 

• Innovative Reuse: Polk Stables | Browning Day 

• Interior Design: Elanco Animal Health Global Headquarters | RATIO Design & CSO 

• Landscape Architecture: Riverside Adventure Park | City of Indianapolis – Indy Parks & Recreation 

• Neighborhood Revitalization: Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Food Pantry | Schmidt Associates 

• Public Art: Indiana Avenue Sound Experience | Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. 

• Real Estate Development: Sylo Apartments & The Farm Retail | Scannell Properties and Pittman Partners 

Together, the 2026 Monumental Awards honorees reflect the breadth of investment and innovation taking place throughout Central Indiana. From neighborhood revitalization and public art to major commercial developments and community destinations, these projects demonstrate how the built environment contributes to economic opportunity, regional identity, and quality of life. 

The 2026 Monumental Awards were made possible through the generous support of Citizen’s Energy Group, The Associated General Contractors of America, Indiana Chapter, Central Indiana Union Electrical Contractors, Comcast, Purdue University, Chapital Photography, Spokenote and Paethos.  

The Indy Chamber will celebrate the 50th Annual Monumental Awards on October 7, 2027, continuing five decades of recognizing the people, partnerships, and projects shaping the region’s future. 

For more information about the Monumental Awards and a complete list of 2026 winners and finalists, visit https://indychamber.com/2026-monumental-awards-winners/ 

About the Indy Chamber 
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. As we work to strengthen the foundation of our economy, we focus on big ideas, fast action, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage. 

About the Monumental Awards 
The Monumental Awards are one of the ways in which the Indy Chamber showcases economic development growth in Central Indiana. This annual evening of recognition acknowledges individuals and businesses that contribute to excellence in architecture, construction, engineering, innovative reuse, interior design, landscape architecture, neighborhood revitalization, public art, and real estate development throughout the ten-county Indy region. 

Featured photo courtesy of Antonio Chapital.