Caldwell, Idaho was once a town people drove through on the way to wine country. In 2013, city planners set out to create a downtown that is full of life and activity. During a comprehensive process interviewing residents on ways to improve the city, one key theme arose—to transform downtown and create a destination. The resulting Indian Creek Plaza does just this, creating a “living room” where residents and visitors alike feel welcome to gather, relax, and play.

The Plaza is organized around the guiding theme of Palimpsest, layering the past with the future. The site is carefully designed to honor the rich history of downtown Caldwell, showcasing the architectural and agricultural significance of the area. Design of the Plaza provides space for year-round activities that draw visitors including concerts and farmers market in warmer months and an ice-skating ribbon surrounded by fire pits and seating in the winter.

Indian Creek Plaza has served as a strong catalyst for revitalization of the Downtown region, directly inspiring the creation of new businesses and establishing a destination at the heart of Caldwell. Expectations for the number of visitors and the business it would bring to the community have been consistently surpassed, such that Indian Creek Plaza is now considered a rousing success and a popular family destination.