Fletcher Place gets its name from one of its first residents, Calvin Fletcher. | Photo by INDYtoday team
With more than 250 registered historic buildings and nineNational Historic Landmarks â most of which were built during the 19th century â thereâs no shortage of sites for the history buffs out there.
But what about when it comes to residential houses? Whether youâre looking to buyin a historic neighborhood or youâre curious if your old bungalow qualifies, keep reading.
What makes a home historic?
Despite the number of centuries-old buildings in Indy, a home only needs to be more than 50 years old to be considered âhistoric,â so anything built before 1973 could qualify. However, there are a few catches if you want your home to be on the National Register.
Be associated with a personorevent of historical significance
Have architectural or engineering integrity or have high artistic value
Be built 50 or more years ago with no major renovations
What makes a district historic?
Historic districts should have high marks in the following areas:
Consist of structures in the same locations they were originally built
Maintain the proper aesthetic based on style and details
Have defined boundaries
Contain original physical elements and materials
Show effort in structural quality
Be associated with people, groups, or events of historic impact
There are 12 historic districts in Indianapolis: Wholesale District, Fountain Square, Woodruff Place, Lockefield Gardens, The Old Northside, St. Joseph, Lockerbie Square, Chatham Arch and Massachusetts Avenue, Monument Circle, Herron-Morton Place, Fletcher Place, and Irvington.
How can my home get historic recognition?
We have a few tips for finding out if your home is historic, including:
Ice Rink at Holliday Park | Thursday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 29 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | $13 | Skate figure eights around this new rink with proceeds going toward the Holliday Park Foundation Endowment.
G. Love & Special Sauce + Donavon Frankenreiter | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 8 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $35-$40 | Catch the three-member alternative, blues, and hip-hop band from Philadelphia on tour.
Friday, Jan. 20
Samantha Glover: âHealing Escapismâ | Friday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 29 | Times vary | Full Circle Nine Gallery, 1125 Brookside Ave., Ste B23, Indianapolis | Free | Dive into Samanthaâs âweirdâ alternate dimension of art.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Vintage Movie Night: Antony and Cleopatra (1913) | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis | $5 | See one of the first feature-length films ever made at this regular movie night.
Sunday, Jan. 22
Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 2-3 p.m. | Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St., Carmel | Free | Register in advance for this Lunar New Year celebration with traditional Chinese music and dance.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
Penn & Teller Present The Foolers | Tuesday, Jan. 24-Saturday, March 18 | Times vary | Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $25-$45 | Enjoy an evening of jaw-dropping illusions curated by Penn & Teller.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Every beer is non-alcoholic (0.5% ABV or less). | Photo by Athletic Brewing Company
You might even have more fun.
Athletic Brewing Company makes non-alcoholic beer you can drink without sacrificing feeling your best. It tastes great, has all the variety from IPAs to goldens, and has even won awards. (Read: Even beer snobs think itâs good.)
Downtownâs Allen Plaza (1 Virginia Ave.) has been sold at an undisclosed price to a group of local investors. The structure was built in 1948 and includes an 8,500-sqft outdoor plaza that was previously used by Scottyâs Brewhouse. The building will now be called One Virginia and it will be fully renovated. đ˘ (IBJ)
A former Brownsburg Marsh has been chosen to be a local motorsports teamâsnew headquarters. About $5 million will be spent to transform the old grocery store for HMD Motorsports that competes in the IndyCar Series. Construction is already underway and the team expects to move in this summer. đď¸ (Inside Indiana Business)
Announced
The lineup for the Indy 500âs Snake Pit festival has been announced, including headliner Kaskade, Subtronics, John Summit, DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille OâNeal), and Jauz. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now, and attendees must be at least 18 years of age. đ (WRTV)
Coming Soon
Little Flower eatery Open Kitchen is moving into the former Jailbirdâs spot (4022 Shelby St.) near UIndyâs campus. The gourmet comfort food restaurant is planning to open on Friday, March 10 and will go from a small 15-person dining room to a 2,000-sqft building. đ´(IBJ)
Closing
After 10 years in business, Ember Urban Eatery will be permanently closing its doors in the Fountain Fletcher District on Saturday, Jan. 28. The spot was known for its wings and mac and cheese.
Closed
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be undergoing some renovations later this month. The 121-year-old landmarkâs north side will be closed for step repair, fencing, and waterproofing. The preservation project will cost around $7 million and more repairs will be made to its south side later this year. âď¸ (WISH)
Real Estate
Riverboat Louis Armstrong is for sale â again. The stateâs first riverboat casino is on the market for $16 million. It opened with the original name of City of Evansville back in 1995 and has undergone renovations since then. It holds 3,000 passengers. Take a tour of the boat.
Show
Hoosier Mike Eppsâ âStraight Jokes! No Chaserâ comedy tour is launching right here in Indianapolis with a show on Saturday, March 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Special guests for the performance will include D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Earthquake, and DC Young Fly. Tickets go on saleFriday at 10 a.m.(IndyStar)
Drink
Looking to hone your hosting skills in 2023?St. Elmo Steak House Cocktails are available to purchase online and ship straight to your door so you and your guests can enjoy ready-to-pour cocktails (Espresso Martini, Cherry Vanilla Bourbon, Old Fashioned, or Cosmopolitan)at any time. Please sip responsibly. đ¸ *
Travel
Scottâs Cheap Flights is going, going...Going. The travel membership that saves you hundreds on flights has a new name, and in honor of the rebrand, you can get 30% off aPremium membership with code 6AMCITY30. What youâll get: last minute weekend trips, mistake fares, andearly deal alerts.âď¸*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
The park and family center is located in Historic Irvington. | Photo via @parksalliancein
100. Thatâs how many volunteers gathered to fix the Ellenberger Park Family Centerearlier this week as part of Citizens Energy Groupâs Sharing the Dream project.
They spent two days helping with more than $150,000 worth of renovations, including a brand new exterior mural. Hours for the newly renovated family center are by appointment only.
More improvements are in the works for the park, including:
Restrooms
Concessions
Murals
Exterior building work
A new community space
Curious which other Indy parks have take part in the Sharing the Dream project over the past 15 years? Get more info.
THE WRAP
Todayâs issue was written by Anna.
Editorâs pick: Letâs play a little game of âBe the Broker.âIf you could choose any restaurant to take the spot that Scottyâs Brewhouse left in the newly renamed One Virginia building, what would it be? Let us know and we just might include your answers in an upcoming newsletter.
Editorial:Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM Cityâs advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.