Old Northside Historical District Indiana

Old Northside is a household area near midtown in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is surrounded by 16th Street on the north, Pennsylvania Street on the west, Interstate I-65 on the south, and also Bellefontaine Street on the east. The Monon Trail runs along the eastern side of The Frank and Judy O'Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park. Old Northside was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and also is home to numerous homes from the Victorian period.

Background History

Old Northside was a popular domestic community in the late 19th century, when a lot of Indianapolis' wealthier residents constructed mansions in the area. Old Northside was home to Benjamin Harrison (23rd President of the United States), Ovid Butler (founder of Butler University) as well as other notable numbers, including moguls of the L.S. Ayres outlet store. Indiana author Meredith Nicholson was likewise a resident for several years and also created his most kept in mind work House of a Thousand Candles while in house.

Old Northside was additionally the original location of Indianapolis' Butler University, after that named North Western Christian University, which was later on relocated to the community of Irvington. The area began a sluggish decline in the very early 1910s as building tastes changed and households constructed houses even more north in Indianapolis. Over several years, residences were destroyed as well as others came under disrepair. In the late 1960s, residents began restoring continuing to be buildings of architectural significance, and also requested the city for historical recognition.

Old Northside received historical designation in late 1978 after embracing a historical plan for protecting the style and history of the neighborhood. Conservation of the area's background is overseen by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.

Significant Residences/Museums

The President Benjamin Harrison Home and also the Morris-Butler House, both on the National Register of Historic Places, lie in Old Northside and also are open to the general public for scenic tours and unique occasions. In 2010-2011, the former Central Avenue Methodist Church, later called the Old Centrum, undertook a multimillion-dollar significant repair as a performance place and statewide headquarters of Indiana Landmarks as well as is currently referred to as the Indiana Landmarks Center. The previous house of Thomas Taggart is currently the national head office of Delta Sigma Phi society.

Local Parks

There are 3 parks associated with Old Northside, all developed with funding from the Old Northside Foundation. Fantastic Oak Commons is a park produced by the community from numerous empty great deals as well as is designed as a Victorian strolling park with a main water fountain, gas illumination, a gazebo and a sensory garden full of fragrant seasonal flowers. Shawn Grove Park is a kids's park with play equipment. The Frank as well as Judy O'Bannon Soccer Park was produced by the city of Indianapolis on the eastern edge of the community, with the assistance of Old Northside Foundation. It is currently preserved by Indy Parks. It was reclaimed from deserted room near the previous Monon train tracks and also is used by a number of children's summer season soccer leagues.

More Information

• Zip Code 46202 
• Area: 170 acres
• Included in NRHP: March 24, 1978
• NRHP Reference Number: 78000049
• Old Northside Historic District/Indianapolis Coordinates 39.7853° N, 86.1510° W