Historic Meridian Park (HMP) boasts many treasures. It is a neighborhood full of single family houses, duplexes, and apartments. Of course that may not be much difference from a lot of neighborhoods. So what makes HMP stand out? It is the time and attention to detail that the property owners display in HMP. Caring and dedicated multi-family property owners that regularly contribute their time and finances to their neighborhoods are in short order—but not in HMP. Its property owners that make a quick trip to the pharmacy to pick up medication for one of their tenants or goes the extra mile to develop a quiet contemplative space for their residents that make The Esplanade and its owners one of the treasures of HMP.
What is The Esplanade? The Esplanade began as a 12-unit luxury apartment building with steam heat, art glass windows, hardwood floors, and automobile garages for rent. Although the horseless carriage hadn’t been around long, the builder used good foresight when he decided to include garages as part of The Esplanade. Esplanade units rented for $57.00 to $65.00 a month. For a few dollars more per month, a tenant could rent a heated garage. The Esplanade and homes in the HMP neighborhood were the premier places to live in Indianapolis.
Then things took a turn and The Esplanade fell into decline. Despite its deteriorated conditions, The Esplanade was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. After many years and multiple owners, The Esplanade was purchased by the owners of Carmer Watson Properties in 2005. Restoring The Esplanade required tireless hours of dedication and attention to detail. The owners restored a quiet and contemplative for residents within the courtyard of the property. The Esplanade now stands as an anchor to the Southwest entrance to HMP.