INDIANAPOLIS - A celebration of art along the streets of historic Fountain Square on Saturday also served as a reminder of how far the near-southeast side community has come in the last year.

New sidewalks, improved social spaces and a refurbished fountain highlight the city's efforts to restore the unique entertainment district.

"Definitely it is just alive now, so there is tons of people walking around and really good things happening," said visitor Lauren Pitt.

Artists lined the streets of Fountain Square on Saturday for the annual Art Squared festival.

Andrew Bradburn, a local artist who has painted at the event for the past 10 years, said he's noticed the area improvements.

"It's nice that it is an urban area that feels comfortable," he said.

In March, construction began in an effort to revitalize the perpetually up-and-coming neighborhood that had struggled with crime and abandoned buildings.

"It was more just empty buildings beforehand, or you weren't quite sure what was going on, maybe it was a business, but it was just kind of maybe a little mysterious," Pitt said.

Now the area has been refreshed, drawing popular businesses and eateries and adding to Indianapolis' unique nightlife scene.

"It has been a long road, but it will be well worth it," said Jason Jacobi, who owns Pure Eatery. "This community has really come together."

Ongoing construction to connect Fountain Square to the city's Cultural Trail is expected to wrap up this fall.