WTH? Will this hurt? Will this help?
Location: South side
Remove economic motivations, remove excuses, and ask yourself how far has this strayed from its original design? From an aesthetic point of view: is this compatible or incompatible, good or bad, worthy or unworthy of the fine capital city of Indianapolis? Please bear in mind: the only purpose of this series is to stand for the appropriate renovation and redevelopment of the built environment of Indianapolis. No malice, no hostility, just observation and inquiry.
For those who need help or guidance in how to sympathetically restore or alter historic buildings, Indianapolis is fortunate enough to have the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), located in the City-County Building.
If this storefront can be restored to its “English Tudor” type front (if that’s the right style), it would suffice, and maybe encourage more rehabilitation in this area; it appears to be on the East Side (?)
Nay, this is just south of Fountain Square, next to Garfield Park.
The past years, Fountain Square has undergone a renaissance. This is undeniable. However, little of it has spread past the I-65 bridge on Shelby. I think this is due to the entrance and exit ramp for I-65 on Raymond, where there’s always traffic. It’s pain in the ass to pass that road- you can’t even safely walk across it. I always see people dashing across the street instead of taking the risk of walking.
I think if a safe and easy way of entering and exiting Garfield Park from the north is built, the park (and area) will see a boom in usage.
An excellent and informative response! These corners around Garfield Park used to be much “busier” for businesses in that neighborhood. The ramps should be redesigned to restore a more pedestrian friendly environment in this neighborhood, and in other areas around town. Thank you for your comment!
Indiana Landmarks also provides guidance on rehabilitating buildings. We maintain a database of contractors and consultants with historic preservation experience.
As a resident of Garfield Park since 2002, we would LOVE to embrace the amenities other areas have including a coffee shop, restaurant, pub, bicycle shop, dry cleaners, salon, etc. This is a fabulous community of passionate and committed neighbors who just held an event this past Saturday with Big Car called “Better Block”. It was a HUGE success despite the rain and cooler temps. We transformed Shelby Street from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. by creating a two lane road with a dedicated crosswalk, 30+ vendors, 7 bands, a beer garden, kids zone and much more. All we need is ONE anchor business to invest in the community – and I guarantee if they build it – we will come and support it!