In the heart of downtown Auburn, Indiana, the James Cultural Plaza stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the transformative potential of public spaces. Commissioned by the James Foundation, the plaza invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a space that seamlessly blends art, history, and community engagement.

The James Cultural Plaza was originally the location of Souder Hospital, built in 1915 and razed in 2003. Despite its prime location, the site then sat as a vacant grassy lot until local philanthropists, Rick L. and Vicki L. James, had the vision to build a space to provide safe, family-friendly opportunities with access to cultural interactions.

“It was one of the first major renovations happening in the City’s downtown area,” said Kendra Klink, Executive Director of the James Foundation. “Since then, buildings have been improved, restaurants and boutiques have been established, and the community is becoming more vibrant all the time.”

Known for its early 20th-century vehicles, production of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) is a foundational piece of the City’s culture. This history is celebrated annually during the ACD Festival, one of the world’s premier classic car shows. Taking place downtown, this festival became the main inspiration for the design of the cultural plaza. The idea was to create a flexible event and gathering space that could serve asa cruise-in during the festival weekend and hold both community and private events throughout the year. It would celebrate the history and culture of the Auburn community, while also functioning as a major gateway for visitors coming into the City.

The design process began with community engagement, incorporating input from the James Cultural Foundation and Auburn residents on how the space could best serve the City. This feedback shaped the vision. Once design commenced, multiple alternatives were explored and refined, leading to the development of the final construction documents. A standout feature of the plaza is its emphasis on hardscape design, which serves as a defining element of its character and functionality. Every element of the plaza’s infrastructure, from the intricately designed paver pattern to the seating walls, reflects Auburn’s rich automotive heritage.

Built in the 1920s and 1930s, ACD automobiles reflect the design principles of the Art Deco Movement from the same era. This unique history became a cornerstone of the design approach, with the automobiles’ Art Deco style inspiring many of the plaza’s elements. This attention to detail not only enhances the visual appeal of the plaza but also serves as a poignant reminder of the City’s cultural legacy. One of the most striking features is the use of diverse shapes and profiles throughout the space – blending sleek, modern lines with meticulous detailing.

One example is the custom design of backlit stainless-steel inserts incorporated into the overhead structures and railings throughout the plaza. These patterns, developed using symmetry, straight lines, and circles, were inspired by the tires and grills of ACD automobiles. Positioned near the seating areas, the inserts are illuminated with a variety of colors at night, adding visual interest and ambiance. The seating area itself features Tangent Rail Seating from Forms and Surfaces, providing a clean aesthetic with durable die-cast aluminum benches.

Central to the plaza’s design is a performance stage located in the northwest corner, featuring an overhead canopy. This focal point not only provides a platform for artistic expression but also serves as a symbolic nexus where community members can gather to celebrate culture and creativity. The design of the stage and canopy was inspired by the curvilinear forms of the ACD automobile, as the arching roof mirrors the distinctive curvature of the automobiles’ prominent wheel well design. Designing this barrel-vaulted standing seam roof was a challenge which required close communication with the installer to custom fabricate the metal panels.

Another example is the “Flying Lady” hood ornament, which inspired the design of custom skateboard deterrents along the plaza’s perimeter seat walls. Although simplified, a closer look at the fixtures reveals contours that mimic the “Flying Lady”. These sleek stainless-steel wall inserts deter skateboard damage while paying homage to the classic cars.

Permeable pavers were utilized to collect, infiltrate, and store water onsite – reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. This environmentally friendly approach not only minimizes the plaza’s ecological footprint but also enhances its resilience in the face of changing weather patterns. Approximately 8,000 square feet of permeable pavers were utilized within the design of the plaza. Stacked end to end, these pavers would be more than 2,000 feet long. Additionally, this system can retain over 3,000cubic feet of stormwater, equivalent to nearly 500 full bathtubs. Since stormwater management through permeable pavers was not widely known at the time, thorough communication with the permitting agencies was essential to explain and document the approach.

The permeable pavers, combined with concrete pathways and unit pavers, form an elaborate pattern that defines spaces, creates an overarching identity, and enhances the plaza’s aesthetic appeal. Precast concrete walls, pedestrian-scale lighting, and a prominent sculptural piece further contribute to creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Designing the concrete planter walls to curve while also continuously changing elevation was challenging. The designers meticulously planned these elements and collaborated closely with the precast concrete manufacturer to successfully create custom forms. These planters, located throughout the plaza, house a variety of vegetation. Low-maintenance plants were selected to provide four seasons of interest. Perennials offer long bloom times from spring through late summer, while ornamental grasses and Columnar Hornbeam trees provide interesting forms and structure during winter. Additionally, shrubs offer pops of color throughout the space.

“I like how large and open the space is, yet it feels comfortable with the greenspace on the perimeter of the plaza,” said Klink. “The paver design on the ground mimics the shape of the elevated stage, which looks neat in photos, especially from above.”

Several functional requirements were prioritized during the design process. Flexibility was a key aspect, with the plaza designed to accommodate a variety of uses and groups. This versatility was essential for ensuring the space could be used year-round for different purposes. Accessibility was another priority, with special attention given to grading the plaza and sidewalks to ensure they were flush and free of tripping hazards, making the entire space accessible to all users. Durability and maintenance considerations also played a significant role, with materials selected for their longevity and low upkeep requirements to ensure the plaza would remain in good condition for many years with minimal maintenance.

Since opening to the public in 2016, the plaza has become a testament to the meticulous planning and dedicated efforts of all parties involved. The initial objective was clear: to transform a long-vacant lot into a vibrant, multifunctional space that would serve as a hub for community activities. The plaza now has an event schedule that includes local ballet, magic productions, live music, and more. “It’s exciting to see people coming to an event with an armful of blankets, chairs, and snacks to enjoy whatever event is going on,” said Klink. According to her, each event aligns with the mission and vision of the foundation and is always family-friendly and free.

Today, with a symbolic nod to the City’s illustrious past, the James Cultural Plaza serves as a dynamic gathering space for the City of Auburn – catering to a myriad of community needs and aspirations while creating an immersive experience for its visitors. From hosting farmer’s markets to providing intimate seating for small gatherings, this vibrant space facilitates connections and fosters a sense of belonging among Auburn’s diverse population.