The three-block stretch of street was the hub of activity during the Super Bowl, but city leaders admit the street has been underutilized in the months since the game.

"Going forward, from this day forward, we have quite a bit of activity on Georgia Street," said Julia Watson, with Indianapolis Downtown Inc.

Beginning in August, the city will host free street concerts the second Thursday of each month.

Private companies have rented out Georgia Street for tailgate parties all football season long.

And Gen Con and Moto GP events will pack the boardwalk the third weekend of August.

"If anybody wanted to say, 'When will Georgia Street be really busy again?' I would like to meet all of you here that Friday night at 9. We'll see Gen Con fans on the west block and we'll see motorcycles on Meridian," Watson said.

The improvements have been slow coming, but repairs are underway. Retractable Roman shades are being installed now, and the boardwalk will be refinished and sealed in November.

Many businesses along the three-block stretch will soon build raised patios -- or sidewalk cafes -- in anticipation of big crowds.

Construction begins this weekend on this sidewalk cafe at Howl at the Moon.

Other businesses, such as Hooters, will begin construction on their outdoor seating soon.

"Anymore, people don't just want to sit inside," said Stephen Hoffman, of the Georgia Street Hooters. "They want to sit outside, they want to see and be seen, and what better than a raised platform to be your own agenda?"

Jeff Smith of Harry and Izzy's said the boardwalk is just what Georgia Street needed.

"It's such a great venue. It's beautiful, it's new," Smith said. "It's right in the heart of what we like to call the restaurant district, even though it's the Wholesale District. And it's the perfect addition."