As winter begins to loosen its grip, Midtown starts to feel a little different. Days stretch longer, sidewalks grow busier, and there is a renewed sense of energy as people look ahead to what spring will bring.
That sense of forward motion is at the heart of Midtown Indy, Inc. Our work is rooted in strengthening neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for connection across the Midtown region. None of this happens alone. It happens because residents, entrepreneurs, and community partners continue to invest their time, ideas, and care into this place.
In this issue of Midtown Indy Magazine, we are excited to share stories that reflect the people and energy behind that collective effort. You will find features that highlight the neighbors and places shaping Midtown right now, along with updates that point to where our community is headed in the months ahead. As spring unfolds, these stories invite you to engage, explore, and stay connected close to home.
We hope this issue serves as both a snapshot of the moment and an invitation to be part of what comes next. Midtown continues to grow stronger because of the people who believe in it and show up for it every day.
Thank you for reading and for being part of this community. As we continue to grow and evolve this magazine, we are continuously looking forward to community input and feedback. Don’t be shy! We always welcome your thoughts and ideas at Rachel@MidtownIndy.org.
Midtown Indy Magazine is an independent community advocacy publication that supports all Midtown Indianapolis neighborhoods. e magazine is published by the 501(c) (3) nonpro t communty service organization Midtown Indianapolis, Inc. to support the organization’s mission: “To cultivate an equitable, healthy, and sustainable community in which stakeholders of all incomes, races, and ethnicities have access to the opportunities, services, and amenities they need to thrive.”
Publisher: Midtown Indianapolis, Inc.
Managing Editors: Rachel Dickerson, Rachel@midtownindy.org, Julia Davenport-Drake, JuliaDDrake@gmail.com
Contributors: Amy Gastelum, Carissa Hawkins, Evelyn White, Jim Clements, Julia Davenport-Drake, Mark Apple, Mary Ellen Gadski, MKNA, Randy Wasmuth, Shaneka Pedersen
ABOUT THE COVER Cover image provided by Julia Davenport-Drake
Age 3 to Grade 8
Meet Midtown Indy's New Board Members!
Over the past year, Midtown Indy took time to reflect, plan, and set a clear direction for the future. As part of that work, we’re excited to welcome new members to our Board of Directors as we continue growing to better serve Midtown neighborhoods. These board members bring valuable experience, perspective, and local connections that will strengthen our organization as we build on the momentum already underway. Please join us in welcoming and thanking them for their service to the Midtown community.
Stephanie Patterson:
Stephanie Patterson Cline lives in Indianapolis, in the Butler Tarkington Neighborhood, with her husband, Darrell, and adult children. She was the first woman to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Prairie View A & M University and went on to earn an MS in Ag Econ from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She somehow managed to raise kids and obtain a black belt in Karate, while working in various Engineering, Procurement and Supplier Management roles. Stephanie is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, an avid cyclist, yogi, knitter, and reader, and is probably doing one of those 4 things while this is being read.
Sam Vonderau:
Sam Vonderau has been a Midtown resident since 2019, with his wife Jessica and two children. He is an architect and partner at DELV Design, a community-based design studio based in the North Mass district. His professional work is focused on fulfilling the firm’s vision of people, nature, and communities thriving – a passion he carries into his role with Midtown Indy. Drawings on his experience working with developers and municipalities, Sam is committed to strengthening Midtown’s sense of place. He and his wife chose to live in Midtown because of the walkability, rich character and strong sense of community. Their children attend CFI 70, and Sam also serves on the Land-Use Committee of the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association.
Mark Demerly:
Mark has lived in Midtown Indy for over 40 years, including nearly 38 years in Broad Ripple Village, and is deeply committed to contributing to the betterment of his community. Since 1999, Broad Ripple has also been home to his architectural practice. For the past 3 years, Mark has served on the Broad Ripple Village Association board, and currently acts as co-chair of the Beautification Committee, having previously served on the Land Use and Development Committee. Mark was a founding member of the Broad Ripple Farmers Winter Market and has managed it for the past 10 years. He also represents Broad Ripple Village on the Midtown Economic Council and recently joined the Friends of Broad Ripple Park board. Mark is also a member of United Way’s Facilities Committee and its Small Capital Subcommittee.
Clark Kirkman:
Clark Kirkman is an attorney specializing in hospitality law and land use / zoning matters. He has lived in Midtown since moving to Indianapolis in 2009. He previously served as the President of the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association from 2016-2019 and has served on the MeridianKessler Neighborhood Association board as well. He and his wife Anna have two children who attend St. Thomas Aquinas School.
Early Access, Real Opportunity
Butler’s Pre-College Programs
offer Indianapolis students an early, immersive introduction to college life and learning.
For many high school students in Midtown Indianapolis, college represents both opportunity and uncertainty—a next step full of questions about academic interests, campus life, and what the future might hold. This summer, Butler University is helping students explore those questions earlier through its immersive PreCollege Programs, supported by scholarships that expand access and welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Designed for high school students from across Indianapolis and the surrounding region, Butler’s Pre-College Programs invite participants to spend a week on campus exploring academic interests, developing leadership skills, and experiencing college life firsthand. Through need-based scholarships, the programs are intentionally reducing financial barriers—ensuring that curiosity and potential, not cost, determine who gets to participate.
“When students are able to see themselves on a college campus, everything shifts,” said Jessica Stoltzfus, Butler’s Director of Camps and Community Programs. “They begin to imagine new possibilities for themselves—academically, personally, and professionally.”
Scholarship support is available for students who face economic barriers—including first-generation college students, 21st Century Scholars, and those who qualify for free or reduced lunch—
Participants can choose from multiple program tracks, including an exploratory experience that introduces students to a range of disciplines, as well as focused programs in business and healthcare. Each combines hands-on learning with leadership development, mentorship, and opportunities to build community.
Beyond the classroom, students also experience the rhythms of campus life. Evenings and downtime are filled with simple but meaningful moments—playing lawn games on the quad, shooting hoops or swimming in the Health and Recreation Complex,
helping ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.
