Fountain Square is a historic neighborhood that blends retro and new art influences in its architecture and style creating a one-of-a-kind destination and in 2003 was selected for the Cultural Districts program, a program of the Cultural Tourism initiative.
"Not only will this Wi-Fi Zone be a beneficial economic development tool, it will also enhance tourism in our great city by connecting visitors with all of the great things Indianapolis has to offer," said Peterson.
"Free wireless access will be another important step in attracting visitors to Fountain Square," said Fountain Square Main Street Manager Paul Baumgarten. "Every week, more people are discovering the great restaurants and shops in Fountain Square and free Wi-Fi access is an amenity we can provide to enhance their visit."
The opening of the Fountain Square Cultural District Wi-Fi Zone marks the first public-private partnership to create a public Wi-Fi Zone in the city of Indianapolis and was made possible through grants received by the Southeast Neighborhood Development Inc. and contributions of installation and management of the service from eWireless.
"Free Wi-Fi is a strong competitive advantage for restaurants, office buildings, apartments and even entire metropolitan areas. What we have done in Fountain Square is simply provide an anchor amenity that keeps up with the needs and wants of the tech savvy consumer," said Henry Kurkowski, co-founder of eWireless.
The Fountain Square Cultural District hot zone joins other already established in Broad Ripple, Monument Circle and the ArtsGarden.
The historic City Market has been selected for the city's next free wireless internet zone and will open late summer 2007.
