Ask any neighbor, past or present, what makes Historic Meridian Park (HMP) a special place to live and undoubtedly they will mention the neighbors and the houses. Indeed, it is the sense of community that enlivens the neighborhood. Be it though the HMP ladies gatherings, the HMP Book Club, the regular social gatherings such as the Cajun Brunch, Progressive Dinner, or the Christmas party. Or like this past month, the End of Summer Bash where neighbors came together to celebrate the end of summer vacation (the end of summer is September 23rd). Regardless of the actual end of summer, once children begin to trickle back to school, the summer as we know it is over. This is why HMP residents came together to share food, drinks, summer memories, and stories and to prepare for what’s next, be it first days of kindergarten, a college send-off, or anything in between. These are the things that make HMP great.
Neighbors, past or present, will also mention the historic nature of the properties that make this neighborhood a destination. The neighborhood, bounded by 30th and 34th Streets, Pennsylvania Street, and Washington Boulevard was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and has a beautiful collection of American Craftsman or Arts & Crafts Style homes.
According to https://indyencyclopedia.org/historic-meridian-park, many of Indianapolis’ early 20th-century influential leaders called the neighborhood home including:
- Frank Beckwith, believed to be the first African American to run for US president
- Arthur Bohn
- Paul Buchanan, chief judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals
- H. Weir Cook, World War I fighter ace and Distinguished Service Cross recipient
- Harrison Eiteljorg, philanthropist
- Henry Hornbrook, attorney, cofounder Indianapolis Foundation
- Louis C. Huesmann, Central Supply Co., and early donator to the Riley Memorial Association
- H. J. Lacy, Lacy Diversified Industries
- George Marott, Marott Shoe Store and Marott Hotel
- George Philip Meiers, L. S. Ayres couturier , and his wife Nellie Simmons Meiers, palm reader
HMP Neighborhood Association (HMPNA) boards. past and present, have explored the idea of ways to preserve the historic beauty of the neighborhood through local historic designation through the Indiana Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC). At times there has been fear of gentrification, fear that older residents may be pushed out due to rising property values and costs, and fear that if nothing is done, the historic nature and beauty of the homes will be diluted, destroyed, and forever lost.
Perhaps now, more than ever with companies soliciting property owners to sell their houses fast and for cash, is the time to seek protection. As companies buy homes in the neighborhood, it’s important to make sure that their “flips” enhance the neighborhood and not dilute the character of HMP. They will not live here. They will retreat to their homes in other places while the character, flavor, and history of HMP is diluted and then lost. We’ve all seen them, the neighborhoods that were once historic in nature now a hodgepodge of construction projects and additions and that have stripped the original beauty from the home, history, and value.
With neighbor support, the HMPNA board could investigate the requirements of local historic designation. The neighbors will be able to decide the types of restrictions or covenants that will best serve everyone and IHPC will help to ensure that the character of the neighborhood is preserved for generations to come. Covenants can be as strict as thost of the Old Northside to something far less restrictive that could include just insuring the façade of a structure is maintained for posterity.
IHPC can assist neighbors and neighborhoods by providing design and zoning reviews and other technical assistance such as preparing new historic plans and updating existing ones. Neighborhood historic designation has benefits in more than just the property itself but also in instilling community pride. It can help control the size, quality, and scale of new construction and restrict demolition such as the home that was razed at 32nd and Pennsylvania Streets despite strong neighborhood opposition. Historic designation can provide financial incentives such as tax credits or reduced taxes and enhance property values and resale values.
A further dive into neighborhood history can be found on this website and the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis at https://indyencyclopedia.org/historic-meridian-park. According to the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, the neighborhood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its noteworthy and eclectic architecture, primarily for its impressive collection of American Arts and Crafts-style homes mixed with distinctive period revival influences. In addition to the neighborhood being on the National Register of Historic Places, a private home and a multi-family residence within it also share register status, Tuckaway and the Esplanade Apartments.
As always, the HMP board would like to hear feedback. Neighbors can provide feedback to any board member or at board@historicmeridianpark.org.