Kleinschmidt Residences - 3177 & 3171 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1909 (3177) and 1919 (3171)Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Leading on Mulit-Pane Decorative Windows Squared Porch Supports Natural Building Materials We will begin our tour looking at two houses. These Meridian Park home were designed by local architect Charles Martindale. Anthony Kleinschmidt, president of the Builder’s Supply Company, occupied the home at 3177 Pennsylvania after its construction in 1909. He raised a family in 3177 Pennsylvania, and in 1919, “downsized” by building the smaller house you see immediately to the right, 3171 Pennsylvania. Many of the elements of the two homes reflect one another.3177 has significant architectural features of the Arts & Crafts style. Notable are repetitive soft arches found in both interior and exterior detail, pocket doors, beamed dining room ceiling, cut-out stair railing and benches. Also evident are beveled-leaded glass windows, original hardware, and the original dining room chandelier. Perhaps the most outstanding are the Rookwood tile fireplaces in both the dining and living rooms. Former homeowners Reverend Bob and JoAnn Giannini, purchased the house in 1990. During their tenure the couple made significant improvements while maintaining the home’s rich character. For several decades 3177 was home to Indiana University Dean of Medicine, John Emerson. Presently the Troxel family resides here.3171 was home to Margie and Dick Luchtmann for two decades and now is owned by businessman John Barry. Between these two owners, Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown and her family lived in this beautiful home before being appointed Archbishop of Vermont's Episcopal Church.
Historic Burkhardt Residence - 3159 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1909Architectural Style: Mission Revival- Key Features:Mission- Shaped Roof Parapet Smooth Stucco Wall Covering Red- Roof TilesOne of several Meridian Park homes designed by local architect Clarence Martindale, this 1909 Mission Revival house was built for Dr. Louis Burckhardt, the city’s first non-American born doctor. Typical of the Mission Revival style are the mission parapet, quatrefoil window, and tile roof. The house formerly had a pergola across the front façade which has since been removed.
Bronson-Nolan House - 3133 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Natural Building Materials Porch Supports are Squared and Extend to GroundAnother home designed by architect Lawrence George, this is a former residence of Indiana Landmarks President Marsh Davis and his wife Grace. In the late 1980s Marsh lead the neighborhood's effort to seek National Register of Historic Places status, which it received in 1990. The National Register designation brought many new residents to the neighborhood.
Richcreek Residence - 3127 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1909Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Half- Timbering on Upper Floor Semi-Hexagonal Bay Windows Multi-Paned Windows on Upper Floor Stained Glass featuring Geometric Pattern In 1978, Jean and Lamar Richcreek purchased this 1909 Tudor Revival which was in derelict condition. Now completely restored, this home was featured in the book “99 Historic Homes of Indiana” published in 2002. It’s another Lawrence George designed home and where he lived when he built 3121 Penn, next door. From 1912 to 1916, Will H Brown, vice president of the Overland Automotive Company, president of the Maze Motor Truck Company, and supervisor of materials at the Marmon Company, occupied this house.In 2019, HMPNA created the Lamar Richcreek Memorial Key Neighbor Award in recognition of the man who gave so much to HMP over the years. This award is presented annually to a recipient making important and lasting contributions to the quality of life in HMP.
Historic Lacy Residence - 3121 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Narrow Windows with Multiple Panes Stained Glass featuring Arts and Crafts Bud Design on Second LevelAnother home built by Indianapolis architect Lawrence George, this 6,000 sq ft Tudor Revival was constructed in 1910. Howard J. Lacy, co-founder of US Corrugated Box, moved into this house in 1918. Today his company is known world-wide as Lacy Diversified Industries, or LDI. In 1993, this property — which had been cut up into four apartments — was purchased by Lorraine Phillips Vavul. She and her husband have since restored the house back to a single-family residence. Lorraine is an active participant in Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis (HUNI), serving as the organization's president from 2008-2012.
Steve and Dorthea Irwin Residence - 3105 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1906Architectural Style: Colonial Revival- Key Features:Accentuated Front Door with Decorative Crown Supported by Thin Columns Second Story Overhang First Story WingThis 1906 colonial revival was built and first occupied by Harry Fitton, a prominent builder in Indianapolis. For many years, Fitton partnered with Lawrence George — the architect who designed the Towns-Holloway residence just across the street (3070 Penn). From 2001 through 2019 this was the home of Stephen and Julie Scott. When the Scotts bought this home in 2001, they had the daunting task of converting the house back to a single-family residence after a 20-year stint as a room-by-room rental, where as many as ten residents lived in the house at one time. This beautifully restored home features a grand staircase and stunning woodwork. The Irwins purchased the home in 2019.The original garage had been damaged by a fallen tree and was demolished in the late 1990s. It was one of only a few remaining garages that featured a special automotive electrical supply to recharge an antique electric car.
3043 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1912Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Multiple Narrow Windows Brick Masonry Tammy Wyss Senn and Mike Senn are among a handful of “renovation rockstars” in the neighborhood — having tackled eight full-scale property renovations within Meridian Park. This Tudor Revival, built in 1912, is one of two homes they renovated for themselves and three for Tammy’s parents, Fort Wayne Senator Tom Wyss and late wife Shirley. After sitting empty for eleven years, the Senns were able to preserve interior details and incorporate salvaged elements. Their earthy color pallets – firmly rooted in American Arts & Crafts style – bring out a rich hominess in each of their restored homes. The Senn Family sold this residence in 2014 and moved across Pennsylvania to 3048 Penn, another of their beautifully restored homes.Other homes the Senns restored: 3043, 3048 and 3054 Penn, 119 and 127 E 33rd Street and 3046, 3025, 3015-17 Washington Blvd.
Esplanade Apartments - 3015 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1912Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Heavy Horizontal Lines Squared Porch Supports that Extend to the Ground Decorative Stickwork on Upper Levels Brick and Wood as Main Building MaterialsThe Esplanade apartments were constructed in 1912, offering upscale townhomes and flats in an Arts & Crafts style. The apartments boast a variety of floor plans in one-, two- and three-story arrangements with leaded art glass interior doors and windows, private entrances, gas fireplaces, and sitting porches. In 2005, the current owner, Carmer Watson Properties, purchased the buildings and proceeded to finish renovations to the structure. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the Esplandade is one of two privately-owned properties in Meridian Park listed on the register.When the Esplanade was being renovated, owners found an old moonshine still likely dating back to the prohibition era.
Triangle
Sometime in the 1940s, the landscaped esplanade which ran the length of Pennsylvania Street was removed by the City of Indianapolis. A similar esplanade along 32nd street was also removed around this time. Today, the Triangle is one of three “traffic calming” road structures in Meridian Park. Landscaped and maintained by the neighborhood, the three traffic barriers along Pennsylvania Street were installed in 2002 and provide a partial glimpse of what the street may have looked like before the original landscaped esplanade was removed.Like many of the city’s early streets, Historic Meridian Park's were bricked with thick pavers made in Braille, Indiana.
The Shawnee Apartments -- 3024 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1912Architectural Style: - Key Features:Front Gable has Large Cornice and Wide Band of Decorative Trim Door is Surround by Narrow Sidelights and is part of an Elaborate Door Surround Four Decorative Pilasters Across the FrontAllie and Josh Reeves purchase this four-plex in 2011 and set about renovating each apartment on their own. With only one 'livable' unit in need of much TLC, Josh has done a marvelous job of preserving this building's historic charm while also adding plenty of modern conveniences. From demolishion to completion this remodel involved moving walls, opening doorways, replacing warped and cracked floor joists and rebuilding the main load-bearing wall. In the end, Josh opened the floor plan in the kitchen/living room areas, added artsy concrete countertops, remodeled all bathrooms as well as plumbed and wired all units -- updating light fixtures, appliances and the HVAC system.With all of these changes, the couple still managed to accomplish their goal of preserving and restoring key historic elements, including the beautiful wood stairs, doors and hardware. They maintained original plaster where possible. As their family grew, they set about saving another beautiful Meridian Park residence (3215 Penn) which was gutted by fire in 2017.
Esplanade Annex - 3034 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1912Architectural Style: Greek Revival- Key Features:Front Gable has Large Cornice and Wide Band of Decorative Trim Door is Surround by Narrow Sidelights and is part of an Elaborate Door Surround Four Decorative Pilasters Across the FrontThe Congdon family — long-time supporters of Indiana Landmarks properties — successfully purchased what affectionately is called the “Esplanade Annex” after years of efforts by parties interested in renovating this apartment building had failed. Since 2012, the Congdon team has poured several hundred-thousand dollars into the property, rebuilding the interior completely and refurbishing the exterior extensively. Originally built in 1912, this Greek Revival apartment building was converted into turned into six high-end condos in 2015. Many in the neighborhood believed the property was unsalvageable. But the Congdon’s proved with vision, money and a dedication to preservation that anything’s possible.Originally built by the owners of the Esplanade to accommodate more tenants.
Former Wyss Residence - 3054 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1911Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Timbering on a Small, Decorative Gable Multiple Pane Windows Vergeboard over EntrywayThis is another one of the homes renovated by the Wyss family. In 2005, this 1911 Tudor Revival was in foreclosure and badly in need of repair. State Senator Tom Wyss and his late wife, Shirley, were living in another neighborhood home on 33rd Street at the time. When their daughter and son-in-law purchased the home at 3043 Penn, the Wysses decided to buy this home so they could be across the street and closer to their grandchildren. The property was stripped down to the studs and renovated in a way that is both historically sensitive and perfectly suited for family use. When this home became too big for Senator Wyss, he moved next door to 3048 Penn after his daughter and son-in-law renovated that property with the same care they had done so many times before.Until retiring in 2014, Tom was an Indiana State Senator representing the 15th District in Fort Wayne.
Towns-Holloway Residence - 3074 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1919Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Decorative Front Gables Semi-Hexagonal Bay Window Multi-Pane Windows - Notably Third Floor WindowsThis Tudor Revival home is one of six houses in Meridian Park attributed to prominent Indianapolis architect Lawrence George. Today it is home to Doctors Steve and Jeanette Holloway. Since 2004, the Holloway-Towns Family has generously opened their home annually for the neighborhood’s annual Cajun Brunch and New Neighbors Reception.This event brings neighbors together for a pitch-in lunch and the presentation of the annual Lamar Richcreek Memorial Key Neighbor Award for neighborhood engagement and impact. In 2019, the couple rebuilt and integrated the garage with the rest of the home as suitable quarters perfect to be close to aging parents. Dr. Towns is always “the guy to beat” winning nearly every neighborhood chili cook-off competition since it started in 2004.
Ammeen Residence - 3116 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1912Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Multi-Pane Windows Large Chimney Narrow WindowsThis Tudor Revival’s original owner was Paul H. Buchanan, chairman of the board of Flanner & Buchanan Mortuaries. In 1925, the company built a mortuary nearby at Fall Creek Parkway and Meridian Street. Many funeral homes once lined North Meridian Street due to its proximity to Crown Hill Cemetery, but this location became the leader and served close to 1,000 families annually at its peak.
Tuckaway - 3128 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1906Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts Bungalow- Key Features:Exposed Roof Beams Wood Siding - Natural Material Square Porch Supports Heavy Leading on Multi-Pane WindowsWe could spend the full tour talking about the history of this bungalow, rumored to have been built on an Indian burial ground from when the Delaware Indians populated this area. Built in 1906, Tuckaway is one of the few individual residences in Indy to be on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of two privately owned properties in Meridian Park included on the Register. It is a true step back in time to the prominence and sophistication of HMPs early days. The second homeowners, George Meier, an internationally acclaimed dress designer affiliated with L.S. Ayres, and Nellie Simmons Meier, a palm reader to the “stars,” entertained Hollywood and Broadway celebrities as well as politicians in this bungalow home. To accommodate the couple’s social needs, the home was enlarged. Several rooms in the front were gutted to create a great drawing room and a second story addition was added to the rear. Correspondence, photographs, and newspaper articles of the time add to our understanding of the home and the ambience and historical significance it provided.The former owner, Ken Keene, owned the property 43 years before passing away in the home in 2015. It was purchased by Joe Everhart, an Indianapolis realtor and the owner of Everhart Studio. Mr. Keene purchased the residence in 1972 from the Meiers’ niece, Ruth Austin, a well-known dancer and teacher of modern dance and ballet. Mr. Keene restored the home’s original décor and feel, calling it “a study piece of the early 20th century.” The home was once loaded with copies of signed celebrity photos indicative of the Meier’s circle of friends – including Walt Disney, Joan Crawford, Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, and George Gershwin. The originals autographed photos are in the Library of Congress. Rumor has it that in the 1920s a postcard addressed to “Tuckaway USA” could be mailed from any part of the world and find its way here.This is one of two Meridian Park homes featured in “99 Historic Homes of Indiana” published in 2002. A complete article about this home can be found at http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/about-the-neighborhood/tuckaway/
Historic Huesmann Estate - 3148 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1906Architectural Style: English Country Manor- Key Features: Segmented Arched Doors on Enclosed Porch Side Gabled Roof and Symmetrical Design Two Front Towers Extensive Gardens This home is undoubtedly one of Meridian Park’s architectural showplaces. Though not representative of the Arts & Crafts style, the house nonetheless adds significantly to the streetscape due to the large scale and extensive southern side lot. Renowned Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw designed this opulent estate in 1906 for Louis Huesmann, president of the Central Supply Company. This is one of two homes in Indy designed by Shaw; the other being the home of US Vice President Charles Fairbanks, located nearby at 30th and Meridian Streets. This house boasts nearly 7,000 sq ft of finished living space with an adjacent studio connected by a tunnel that adds another 4,000 sq ft. The home features four bedrooms, four full baths, and three half baths.Angela and David Colby purchased the home in 2005 and undertook an extensive restoration of the home’s original charm, while also bringing it into the 21st century. In 2007 the home won Indiana Landmark’s Angie’s List Old Home Renovation Award for the respectful refurbishment of this magnificent property. Through the 1980s and 1990s, this was the home of the McGuire Photo Studios. Joe McGuire's architectural photographic collection resides at the Indiana Historic Society.
Solomon Residence - 55 East 32nd Street
Year Built: 1918Architectural Style: Italianate Revival- Key Features:Symmetrical Facade Large Full Arched Crown Above Door Decorative Brackets Along Roof Sidelights on DoorWhen Ben Solomon — owner of Solomon Antiques — moved to this spacious 3,900 sq. ft. home in 1984, the house was in fairly good repair. This 1918 Italianate Revival house has four bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The long-time Meridian Park resident has lived in three different homes in the neighborhood. One of his former residences is across the street at 3177 Penn.
Reeves Residence - 3215 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: Architectural Style: Queen Anne- Key Features:Bay Window Front Facing Gable Leaded Multi-Pane Windows (Arts and Crafts Influence) Large PorchThis is an example of a house that took one step forward and two steps back. When Marty and Anne-Marie Dezelan purchased this Queen Anne home in 2001, the property was derelict due to ten-plus years of neglect. In fact, the interior of the house had rotted so badly that you could see into the attic from the first-floor living room. The Dezelans lovingly restored the interior of the home and the gracious, expansive rear porches resulting in an openness conducive to first-floor entertaining spilling out onto their large backyard. Unfortunately, lightning struck the home in 2016 and the ensuing attic fire and resulting water damage meant a full interior rebuild. The Reeves Family (who restored the Shawnee Apartments at 3024 Penn) desiring more space for their growing family was up to the challenge and purchased the home from the Dezelan's. In Meridian Park, even homes that aren’t considered traditional Arts & Crafts like this Queen Anne home have incorporated subtle Arts & Crafts features like square columns. A traditional Queen Anne style home would have called for “turned posts” on the porches but these are square.
Turner Residence - 3233 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: American Foursquare- Key Features: Plain Facade Simple Building Materials Rectangular Footprint with Full Front PorchA reaction to the ornate and mass-produced elements of the Victorian and other Revival styles popular throughout the last half of the 19th century, the American Foursquare was plain, often incorporating handcrafted woodwork. This style incorporates elements of the Prairie School and the Craftsman styles. It is also sometimes called Transitional Period. These houses are commonly found in older urban neighborhoods or "Streetcar Suburbs." Homes could often be purchased from a catalog such as Sears and Roebuck.
Hampton Residence - 3245 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1921Architectural Style: French Revival- Key Features:Stucco Walls Arched Windows with Keystone Steeply Pitched Roof Decorative BracketsThis French Revival home was designed by well-known architect Willard Osler in 1921 for Anton and Ina Vonnegut. To Hoosiers, Vonnegut is a familiar name. Anton was author Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s first cousin, once removed. This was also the former home of Dr. Frank Johnson. He was the Director of the Marion County Health Department, and in 1983, he was the first doctor to deliver African American quintuplets, born without the use of fertility drugs. The spacious grounds of the Hampton residence features a magnificent stand of 30 hardwood trees that are among the oldest in Meridian Park.
Smith-Webb Residence - 3257 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Stucco and Half Timbering Exposed Rafters and Knee Braces Nightime decorative light display delighting passers byThis Tudor Revival home was designed by the architectural firm of Foltz & Parker and built in 1910 for Albert S. Pierson, director and vice president of the Lilly Hardware Company. This three-story house features different building materials on each level: stucco and half timbering at the attic level, board and batten siding on the 2nd floor, and brick on the first floor. Arts & Craft details include exposed rafters, knee braces, and a rear sleeping porch.The house’s second owner was attorney Henry H. Hornbrook. In 1916, Mr. Hornbrook co-founded the Indianapolis Foundation, which ranks as one of the largest community foundations in the country.In 1996, the home’s current owners, Mark Webb and Lee Ann Smith, added a carriage house with a second floor apartment which they rent. Their inviting, large backyard is a favorite spot for neighbors to gather for our annual Chili Cookoff and Cornbread Competition. In 2015, the family dramatically expanded their kitchen and rear porch entertaining area creating an inviting oasis for entertaining. Lee Smith and Mark Webb also have the title of “renovation rockstars,” having renovated four homes within Meridian Park since moving to the neighborhood in 1993.The Smith-Webbs also own the house to the right. One of the oldest properties in the neighborhood, this river-rock house was once a small cottage which has since undergone multiple expansions. You’ll notice its set-back from the street predates the other homes along Pennsylvania Street.
Historic Residence of Artist Ruth Anderson - 3264 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1909Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Large Chimney Decorative Window Leading Semi-Hexagonal Bay WindowsThis house was built in 1909 by Colonel I.T. Moore. Years later the home was sold to the Langdon Family who took in a young artist named Ruth Anderson. In their estate, the Langdon's left the residence to Ruth, where she stayed until her passing in 2000. In 2001 Trinity Episcopal Church purchased this Tudor Revival home to address the space needs of its growing staff. The church renovated the first floor kitchen to provide a larger facility flexible to serve and entertain 30-50. The home -- renamed The Corner House -- retains much of its original character and features a beautiful tiled fireplace, built in bookcases and rich dark woodwork throughout. The neighborhood periodically holds its annual holiday party here.
Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Marker - Median of 33rd and Pennsylvania Streets
The Historic Meridian Park Historic Marker was a year-long neighborhood association project completed in 2012. The marker celebrates Historic Meridian Park’s architectural integrity and historical significance that led to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Patrick Residence - 3327 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1914Architectural Style: American Foursquare- Key Features:Plain Aesthetic Simple Construction Materials Central DormerOne of the first owners of this home was Harry F. Brinkmeyer, an executive with Pioneer Brass Company, who lived in the house throughout the 1920. Indy was a transportation industry hub from the 1880s through 1920s with several businesses manufacturing products for both the bicycling and automobile industries. Fast-forward 100 years into the future and this home is the second residence in the neighborhood owned by Stacey and Jeff Patrick. Stacey served as the former neighborhood association board president from 2013-2015. The couple started Nicey Treat, a fresh, all natural, organic frozen treat specialty shop founded in the couple’s kitchen when they lived at 3157 N Delaware. An interesting feature of this home is the large rock moved to its front yard.
3303 North Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: 1895Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Inward Sloping Piers on Upper Level Porch Supports Extending to Ground Decorative Timbering on Garage DoorsOne of the extensive renovations by the Smith-Webb Family. This was another home in derelict condition and with a high potential of being torn down. The Smith-Webb Family saved the home from the wrecking ball, completely gutting the home and restoring it with the latest amenities.
116 and 118 33rd Street
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Stickwork on Porches Heavy Leaded WindowsAnother renovation by the Smith-Webb Family. This duplex style home can house multiple families.
127 East 33rd Street
Year Built: 1898Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Heavy Leaded Multi-Pane Windows Wood as Main Building Material Exposed Roof BeamsThis 1898 residence is one of the few 19th century homes in the Meridian Park neighborhood. This was the first home of Sen. Tom and Shirley Wyss. When they found it, it was abandoned and uninhabitable. It took roughly 16 months for this renovation predominately engineered by daughter and son-in-law and --who at the time lived two doors away at 119.
Neighborhood Pocket Park
Our neighborhood finally put the ‘Park’ in Meridian Park. In 2013, the neighborhood raised the money to purchase two empty lots through private donations and has successfully applied for grants for park development. The goals of the park are to have a place to relax and rejuvenate in nature, provide a safe place to play for children, and serve as a gathering place for residents of diverse backgrounds to come together. Progress on our park continued via workdays and several fundraising campaigns until completion in 2019. The neighborhood is very appreciative to receive ongoing neighbor contributions and help from partner, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Rubin-Naremore Residence - 3312 Washinton Boulevard
Year Built: 1907Architectural Style: Mission Revival- Key Features:Mission Shaped Roof Parapet Smooth Stucco Walls Quatrefoil WindowThis is one of two Meridian Park homes designed by the firm of Rubush & Hunter. Rubush & Hunter’s other creations include such downtown landmarks as the Circle Theater, Columbia Club and Indiana Theater. The primary design elements of this home, which depict the Mission Revival style, are the Mission-shaped parapet, the overhanging eaves, stucco finish and thick porch columns. From 1979-83 this house was connected to the house immediately south and was used as a nursing home.
LaNore Residence - 3363 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1907Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial Revival / Neo-Classical- Key Features:Decorative Curved Parapet Gables Multi-Pane Windows Doric Columns Meridian Park’s northeast anchor — and second house designed by Rubush & Hunter — is this 1907 Dutch Colonial Revival. This home features an unusual mixture of Neo-Classical and Flemish influences. The house’s curved parapet gables and “Flemish bond” brick pattern reflect Dutch influences while the centrally located door and use of Doric columns are a good example of the Neo-Classical style. Jess LaNore has been restoring the house since he purchased it in 2007. Most of his work involves ‘undoing’ the house’s 1938 conversion into a duplex. It has been on neighborhood home tours in 2010 and 2015 to show the results of steady progress over time.
Trudell Bell Residence - 3335 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1914Architectural Style: American Foursquare with Prairie Influence- Key Features:Central Hipped Dormer Large Windows Side Porch With Slab RoofWilliam Langsenkamp Jr and his wife, Ida, lived in this house from 1914 until at least the Great Depression. Langsenkamp and his brother Henry co-founded Langsenkamp Brothers Brass Works in 1895.By 1974 this home had sat vacant for over 10 years and was slated for demolition. Organic chemist Brenda Trudell Bell purchased the home to be closer to aging grandparents two house north of her. At the time Brenda was in Pharmaceutical Sales with Lilly after breaking the glass ceiling as the organization's first African American research chemist. Lilly noticed Brenda's work on anti-malaria drugs in the late 60s when she was an organic chem graduate student research assistant at Purdue University. Brenda was one of the first black females to break the color barrier in chemistry at Purdue and has done significant work on four US patents. Now retired, she enjoys mentoring area youth on the importance of science and strong mentors.
Historic Eiteljorg Residence - 3321 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Squared Porch Piers Decorative Window Glazing Red Roof Tiles as Decorative FeatureChildhood home of businessman and philanthropist Harrison Eiteljorg, founder the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Eiteljorg went West in the late 1940s on coal mining ventures, and subsequently developed a lifelong passion for the land, the people and the artwork there.
Historic Jewett Residence - 3313 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1915Architectural Style:- Key Features:Charles W. Jewett resided here while he served as the mayor of Indianapolis. Jewett was chosen as chairman of the Marion County Republican Committee in 1914 and served as the Mayor of Indianapolis from 1918 to 1921.
Historic Marott Residence - 3268 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: Circa 1910sArchitectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features: Decorative Half-Timbering Decorative Brackets Multi-Pane Windows near DoorThis is the former home of George Marott, an English immigrant who came to Indianapolis and started a shoe business, and later built the Marott Department Store on Massachusetts Ave. By 1910 he had a net worth of over $2Million. In 1926 he built the Marott Hotel—with its breathtaking view of downtown and the White River with its grand bridges. In 1983 after being boarded up for two years, the Hotel reopened as the Marott Apartments reconfiguring the building’s 78 hotel rooms into 240 apartments. Presently the Henderpickle Family owns this lovely home.
Majors Residence - 3262 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: American Foursquare with Prairie Influence- Key Features:Porch with Slab Roof Boxy Shape to House Footprint Large WindowsOne of this home’s early owners was famed WWI fighter ace Harvey “Weir” Cook. In honor of Cook’s decorated service in the US Air Force, and his role in advocating for Indianapolis first municipal airport in 1931, the city named the airport after this Indiana native son.
Washington Court
Year Built: 1911 - 1914Architectural Style: American Foursquare with Dominant Arts & Crafts Influences- Key Features:Simple Box Style Wide Porches and Large Windows Decorative StickworkYou can walk down the grassy court. One of the most unique features of the Meridian Park is this small row of eight houses known as Washington Court. Originally named Washington Place, this pedestrian court was developed by the Jose-Balz Building Corporation and completed in 1914. This court is significant because it is one of only three such pedestrian courts in Indianapolis — and it’s the most architecturally distinguished of the group. The setback of these homes allows for more privacy and isolation. The concept of privacy fits nicely into the tenets of the Arts and Crafts philosophy which advocated a retreat from the city to quiet residential settings. These American Foursquare style homes possess such characteristic Arts and Crafts details such as wide, overhanging eaves supported by knee braces, exposed rafters, and sleeping porches.David Bartley, a 20+-year resident of Washington Court, pursued a beautification grant in 1996 for the addition of the historic 1912-style lampposts that now gently illuminate the courtyard.
Gautier Residence - 3218 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1900Architectural Style: American Four Square- Key Features:Simple Box Style Central Dormer Wide PorchAnother example of an American Four Square. You may have heard other nicknames such as the Denver Square, Seattle Box, Prairie Box, Box House, Double Decker or Double Cube. But here in the Midwest, some also call it the “Cornbuilt Cube.”
Historic Bohn Residence - 215 E 32nd Street
Year Built: 1911Architectural Style: Tudor Revival- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Exposed Roof Beams Hipped Gable RoofArthur Bohn, a partner with the architectural firm of Vonnegut, Bohn & Mueller, designed and resided in this house from its construction in 1911 until 1947. In addition to being recognized as a major influence in the vocational school system in Indianapolis, Arthur Bohn is also known for his notable architectural designs seen throughout the city. Examples include: the Athenaeum, former Blocks and Ayres Downtown Indy department store buildings, and the Herron Art Institute, now Herron High School. The present homeowners are Ryan and Sarah Noel. Ryan served as president of Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association’s Board from 2016-2019.Historic Meridian Park's active neighborhood board organizes socials throughout the year such the Chili Cook Off, Summer BBQ, Progressive Dinner, Cajun Brunch, St Patrick’s Day Porch Crawl & Winter Holiday Party.
Former Beckwith Residence - 3164 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 2017Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts Inspired- Key Features:Slanting Squared Porch Piers Decorative Timbering Decorative Stickwork Above Upper PorchFormer site of the home of Frank Beckwith, an Indianapolis attorney, judge, and civil rights advocate. Beckwith was the first African American ever to run in a presidential primary. He was one of six men vying for the Republican presidential nomination in 1960.The home currently on this site is a newly-constructed home. It carries many Arts and Crafts influences in its design as a way to match its surrounding neighborhood.
3169 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1910Architectural Style: Queen Anne- Key Features:Tower Asymmetrical Facade Decorative Details One only a handful of Queen Anne homes in Meridian Park, this house was finally restored in 2015 after years of neglect. It’s the only house in the neighborhood with a turret and is more typical of homes one would find in Indy’s Herron-Morton neighborhood. What’s particularly special is you’ll notice the widow’s walk. Typically, found on 19th-century North American coastal houses. A popular romantic myth holds that the platform was used to observe vessels at sea. The name is said to come from the wives of mariners who watch for their spouses' return, often in vain as the ocean took the lives of the mariners, leaving the women widows. However, there is little or no evidence that widow's walks were intended or regularly used to observe shipping. Widow's walks are in fact a standard decorative feature of Italianate architecture, which was very popular during the height of the Age of Sail in many North American coastal communities. The Queen Anne style was widely used in Indiana from about 1880 to 1910. If one feature is characteristic of the Queen Anne style, it is variety. Queen Anne homes often feature an irregular silhouette with front facing gables and large open porches. Roofs are steeply pitched hip types with irregularly placed gables. It was not uncommon for an architect to combine patterned wood shingles, clapboards, half-timbering, and stucco on one building. Although often associated with large homes, carpenters built thousands of small standardized Queen Anne cottages in Indiana during this period.
Former Russell Residence - 3141 Washington Boulevard
Year Built: 1920Architectural Style: American Foursquare with Arts and Crafts Influences- Key Features:Slab Roof Simple Box Style Large WindowsFormer home of Louis B. Russell, who at the time of his death in 1974 was the world’s longest surviving heart transplant patient as well as Indiana’s first heart transplant recipient. To honor the former teacher, Indianapolis Public Schools named IPS 48 after him, located at 34th and Central Avenue.
Hydrangea House - 3064 North Delaware Street
Year Built: Circa 1908Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts Bungalow- Key Features:Embracing Porch Wood Heavy in Construction Exposed Roof BeamsThis is one of four Meridian Park homes attributed to local architect Clarence Martindale, and one of only a few bungalows in the neighborhood. It’s affectionately known as the “Hydrangea House” for the 15 species of hydrangeas that inhabit the grounds. The two and one-half story house contains numerous Arts and Crafts bungalow elements such as the steeply pitched gable roof which extends over the porch, the gabled dormer with overhanging eaves supported by knee braces, and banded casement windows. This home was one of three Meridian Park houses featured in a 1909 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal recognizing 14 newly added homes in Indianapolis .By 1900, the bungalow craze, which had already been popular in the Eastern US and California since the 1890s, finally reached Indiana. Bungalows are easily identified by their simple massing and usually modest scale. Bungalows are typically one to one-and-a-half stories tall and feature low pitched gable roofs. Often, a front porch is recessed under the main roof. Roofs have deep eaves.
3102 North Delaware Street
Year Built: Circa 1912Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts Bungalow- Key Features:Decorative Half-Timbering Fieldstone Porch and Chimney Large Embracing PorchThough on a somewhat smaller scale than the majority of houses within Meridian Park, this home is a significant representation of the Arts and Crafts bungalow. Of particular note are the field stone porch and chimney. The use of natural materials such as stone is a common technique of the Arts and Crafts style. Also highlighting the main facade is a pergola, as well as the half-timbering and stucco effect.
Wasmuth/Jensen House - 3117 North Delaware Street
Year Built: Circa 1911Architectural Style: American Four Square- Key Features:Extensive Exterior and Interior Woodwork Large Front Porch Original cedar shakes and clapboard sidingThis home was originally built for Fred and Marie Mueller who lived in the home for nearly twenty years until the heart of the Great Depression in 1932. A more recent long time owner, Ora Triplett and her late husband JT, bought the home in 1974, raising five children here. Ora--or OT as she is affectionately known to neighbors--was recognized by Mayoral Proclamation on April 22 2012 for her many volunteer hours bringing food and resources to Senior Citizens in HMP. After over 40 years, Ora retired in 2017 and sold her Meridian Park home, making way for new wonderful residents, the Wasmuth/Jansen family.
Conrad-vanSanten Home -- 3145 North Delaware Street
Year Built: 1925Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts- Key Features:Decorative Stickwork Wood Siding Exposed Roof BeamsThe first owner was Homer Laughlin. He was a graphics designer here in Indianapolis and was hired to move to Chicago to work in the Leo Burnett group in the early 1930s. In the 1970s, the home was the Indianapolis center for the Christian cult — the Children of God. Notable among its members elsewhere were actor River Phoenix's parents. The second floor had a greenhouse in the back of the house where sacramental marijuana was grown.
3157 North Delaware Street
Year Built: 1902Architectural Style: American Foursquare with Arts and Crafts Influence- Key Features:Squared Porch Supports Front Dormers Square Footprint Large PorchPast home of former neighborhood association board president Stacey Patrick and her husband, Jeff. To add additional outdoor space, the family moved within Historic Meridian Park to 3327 Penn in 2018.
Reynolds Home -- 3173 North Delaware Street
Year Built: 1911Architectural Style: American Foursquare- Key Features:Central Front Dormer Large Windows Bay WindowsThis American Foursquare typifies this style of architecture seen within Meridian Park. Constructed in 1911 for Clifford and Flora Barrett, the house exhibits symmetry that is characteristic of the style.The American Foursquare was a post-Victorian style that shared many features with the Prairie architecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright. The boxy foursquare shape provided roomy interiors for homes on small city lots. Typical characteristics included: two-and-a-half stories in height, four-room floor plans, a large central dormer and a full-width porch with wide stairs. This style first appeared on the housing scene around 1890 and remained popular well into the 1930s.
The Sister Houses - 122 and 124 32nd Street
Year Built: 1892 and 1897Architectural Style: Greek Revival- Key Features:Doric Columns Cornice and Fanlight over Door Surround Bay Window with Decorative CrownMeridian Park is composed of five principle plats and their re-subdivisions. Atkins & Perkins was one of the subdivisions, and in 1892, this house at 122 E 32nd Street was the first home built in this subdivision. Five years later, the owner built a second house, as a wedding gift for his daughter, next door at 124. This house was originally constructed as a mirror image of 122.By 1911, city streets and sidewalks caught up with this rural area. The original curbs that were installed included iron horse hitching rings. Our curbs have since been replaced, but two of the original horse rings located in front of 124 were reinstalled into the new curbs and exist to this day.124’s appearance changed dramatically in 1915 after the Hood Family moved here from their former residence at 12th and Meridian Streets. Not only was the exterior upgraded, the family incorporated a magnificent marble fireplace from the old Henry Pierce mansion that once stood at 14th and Meridian Streets.
Rieger Residence - 3203 Pennsylvania Street
Year Built: Circa 1908Architectural Style: Prairie School- Key Features:Horizontal Aesthetic Wide, Overhanging Eaves Low Pitch, Hipped RoofDesigned by acclaimed Chicago Prairie School architect Robert Spencer Jr., this home was one of three Meridian Park houses featured in a 1909 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal where 14 recently built homes in Indianapolis were recognized. Spencer designed residential structures primarily in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with some additional commissions scattered across the Midwest. He was also a prolific writer and wrote many articles for the Architectural Review, often highlighting the work of his friend Frank Lloyd Wright.The Prairie School style has its roots in the city of Chicago. It was most common in the Midwestern United States, but its influence was felt around the world. Prairie School style architecture is usually marked by its integration with the surrounding landscape, horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad eaves, windows assembled in horizontal bands, solid construction, craftsmanship, and restraint in the use of decoration. Horizontal lines were intended to unify the structure with the native prairie landscape of the Midwest.This is the last home on our tour! Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis and Indiana Landmarks thanks you for joning us! Consider taking one of the other fantasic tours on PocketSights!
