Issue 3 2015 • MK Spark The Magazine of Meridian~Kessler

spark FALL 2015 • FREE

The Magazine of Meridian•Kessler

LIVE•WORK•SHOP•PLAY•LEARN•GROW

spark The Magazine of Meridian•Kessler

LIVE•WORK•SHOP•PLAY•LEARN•GROW

ISSUE THREE • August September October 2015 Published quarterly by MKNA • Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association, a volunteer nonprofit organization representing residents, businesses, schools, faith-based institutions and service groups.

The Association’s objectives include

Enhancing Livability • Make the neighborhood more walkable and bike-friendly, develop infrastructure plans and support crime prevention efforts.

Promoting Growth & Capital Investment • Support the Midtown TIF District and drive redevelopment opportunities.

Advocating to City Government • Develop the neighborhood’s long term land use plan and promote compliance with community values.

Communicating • Organize community meetings where critical neighborhood issues are addressed, host business and clergy breakfasts and publish community newsletters.

Partnering with Community Stakeholders • Support the work of organizations serving youth and seniors.

Preserving Historic Qualities • Prioritize neighborhood beautification efforts and promote commitment to historic architecture. spark: The Magazine of Meridian~Kessler is edited

by Caroline Farrar, Nick Colby, Christopher Vice.

Designed by Christopher Vice. Printed by Faulkenberg Printing Company. © MKNA 2015

MK Place and Space: Conservation Destination MK / 49th and Penn DeveloperTown Orchard School Easter Conservation Services Visit mkna.org for more features, timely news, events calendar and local neighborhood business directory. Feature articles in this magazine are also published online.

Neighborhood Grant Recipients Transit Updates

Little Free Libraries MKNA is 50 MK: Then and Now MK Home Tour Highlights Cover photo by Brigid Clarke / Harvest Moon Photography

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Submit news and events. mkna.org/submit-news 3rd Annual Midtown Education Summit On Monday, September 28th, from 4:30 pm to 7:30pm, more than 60 schools represented by 90+ administrators and teachers will host tables in the lobby of the Children’s Museum to give direct information, answer your questions, and provide take home materials for you to evaluate. This event is fun and open to the public. Parking is provided in the Children’s Museum garage.

This is an academic one–stop shop. Don’t miss it. This event will make your life easier.

To register your school, or as a parent, go to: www.midtownindy.org/Education.php In its third year, the Education Summit exists to serve our residents. It is a comprehensive effort to bring together Midtown community members with representatives of the many schools that serve the families and children of our neighborhoods. The Summit provides school leaders to opportunity to showcase the wonderful programs, faculty, and vision that they have for their school and the community.

There are so many great schools in our community and our hope is that this event begins a conversation that recognizes that fact. It will be a great night to learn more about schools and their programs through individual conversations between school leaders and parents, and a celebration of the many great schools that educate our children in Midtown.

Education Summit September 28

MKNA awarded grant for historic preservation education Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks awarded grants of up to $2,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations in Indiana. Grants were awarded to fund a variety of projects across Indiana from Lafayette to Evansville. Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks have partnered in this grant program for over 20 years, awarding at least $18,000 annually.

Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association received a $2,000 grant for the project Honor

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and Preserve Historic Meridian~Kessler Video. The educational video will showcase the Meridian~Kessler neighborhood and explain the goals of a Conservation District.

Public programs will take place through September 2015.

Thanks to our neighbor Kim Kourany for many hours of work to initiate and complete the application to Indiana Humanities/Indiana Landmarks.

38th & Meridian Farmer’s Market hosted by North United Methodist Church 4:30 — 7:30 pm every third Thursday of the month through September One of the longest running Farmer’s Markets in Central Indiana brings produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more to the MidNorth neighborhood and community at large.

The Market looks to continue being a flagship in building community and cultivating relationships in the neighborhood. Identified as a “food desert,” the area surrounding the Market has few options when it comes to accessing sources of sustainable and healthy food. Couple this with the opportunity to further allow the community to learn and grow together, the Market’s existence is seen as a welcome addition to the growing and changing neighborhood.

City Election Candidate Forums MKNA is in the very early stages of organizing candidate forums for the upcoming City Council races, most likely in October of this year. Because of the newly reorganized Council districts, Meridian~Kessler will have three contested races within its boundaries.

One of the forums, because it involves only a small portion of the northwest part of the neighborhood, will likely be held in conjunction with Broad Ripple Village. At the same time, Meridian~Kessler, as part of the larger Midtown area, is working with Midtown Inc. to stage a Mayoral debate.

MKNA will keep the neighborhood informed.

While MKNA is not, in any way, a political organization, part of its mission has always been to keep our residents informed on local issues.

From 38th to Kessler Boulevard.

From Meridian to the Monon.

We are a community of residents (younger & older), homes (from multi-unit to mansions and everything in between), local businesses (larger & smaller, established & emerging), schools (public & private) and a variety of faith–based communities.

MKNA Beginnings In the spring of 1965, the first African–American family moved into the Meridian~Kessler neighborhood. Heartened

by Civil Rights advances and the prospect of a Fair Housing Act, Rev. Gerald Johnson of the (then) Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, encouraged a group of residents “deeply devoted to our area and to justice” to discuss the formation of a neighborhood group which would: • Establish relationships between all neighbors and provide services • Monitor zoning codes and housing laws • Support neighborhood schools • Provide adequate municipal services for all residents In early meetings there was prolonged discussion about the boundaries of the proposed new neighborhood. The south and west boundaries were not debatable (38th and Meridian Streets, respectively), because they adjoined existing organized neighborhoods. However, the northen boundary was difficult to determine. At first it was set at 46th Street, then tentatively moved to 54th Street. By the time the constitution and by-laws were finalized, however, those who maintained that a larger group of residents would be more effective politically, succeeded in getting the boundary extended north to Kessler Boulevard.

The name of the new association, based on two of the boundary streets, was coined at that time. Large posters were distributed to the area shopping corners inviting everyone to the first general meeting on June 2, 1965.

Dear Neighbors, In 1999, Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association established an annual grant program. This program, now named in memory of Vi Walker, a longtime resident, business owner and staunch supporter of the neighborhood, has granted $300,000 to other non-profit organizations that share our mission of growing and sustaining Meridian~Kessler.

In order to fund the grants program, our Board of Directors allocates 25% of the proceeds from our annual Home Tour events. This year the tour raised over $18,000 for these grants.

Over the years we have been able to support worthy organizations such as Coburn Place, the College Avenue Branch of Indianapolis Public Library, Girls Inc., IPS Schools 70, 84, and 91, Immaculate Heart of Mary School and St. Joan of Arc School, among many, many others.

Being a part of the granting decision has been a highlight of my involvement with MKNA. We receive many great applications (over 20 this year), all of which are worthy of our support. As a group, we work to figure out how our dollars can be most impactful to our community. Always aware of our finite resources, we regretfully whittle down our list to match available funds.

Nick Colby, MKNA President

MKNA Vi Walker Neighborhood Grant Recipients This year we are pleased to have awarded nearly $15,000 to five organizations: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Grant of $4865 provided four bicycles to assist with community policing and security.

IPS School 84 Grant of $1000 provided for bird and butterfly sanctuary to support expansion of outdoor amphitheater.

IPS School 70 Grant of $4500 repaired existing musical instruments and purchased additional musical instruments.

Department of Public Words Grant of $2000 for painted murals on Monon Trail north of 49th Street on the Winthrop Supply Company, Inc. building.

Coburn Place Grant of $2300 assisted those in need with supportive summer break programs.

Congratulations to all the grant recipients and thank you for your efforts to improve our community!

And, to those of you who supported the Home Tour—through attending, volunteering, donating, or sponsoring—thank you for allowing us to continue the Vi Walker Grant Program.

For organizations wishing to apply for a grant, please stay tuned in early 2016 when we announce the application is available.

MK is social! Join in on all the networks.

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TRANS IT The Red Line is coming The Red Line, an electric bus rapid transit (eBRT) line from Broad Ripple to the University of Indianapolis, could be open to the public as early as 2018. The IndyGo planning team is working with CDM Smith to complete an environmental assessment and design engineering for the line. The team plans to apply for a federal Small Starts grant this fall, which would enable IndyGo to begin construction on the Red Line in 2017.

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Many residents will recall the major public engagement efforts around Indy Connect, Central Indiana’s regional transit plan.

The full Red Line will eventually extend to Westfield’s Grant Park through Clay Terrace and the Art & Design District in Carmel to the north and into Greenwood’s Old Town to the south. The full Red Line, along with the Green, Blue, Purple and Orange lines and significantly expanded local bus routes will be the subject of a public referendum that could be on the ballot in November 2016. This first phase of the Red Line from Broad Ripple to the University of Indianapolis represents a unique opportunity and the corridor’s characteristics make it an important and viable stand-alone project.

This first phase of the Red Line will connect many of the largest employers in Central Indiana, the four largest universities, some of the hottest cultural districts and many neighborhoods that are either struggling or just beginning a comeback. It is one of the most racially diverse corridors in central Indiana, and will connect with almost all of IndyGo’s existing bus routes. The Red Line corridor’s diversity, combined with its population and employment density, make it central Indiana’s best opportunity to attract public and private investment and the best opportunity to quickly improve residents’ access to employment, healthcare, education and overall quality of life in the shortest amount of time.

The Red Line will be the nation’s first battery electric BRT system. BRT is essentially light rail on rubber tires; it will move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently to destinations with service features that mirror light rail lines, but at a fraction of the cost. Red Line vehicles will arrive every 10 to 15 minutes almost all day, using dedicated transit lanes for much of the route, with raised stations to accommodate level boarding, monitors to tell riders when the next BRT vehicle is coming and ticket machines so that tickets may be purchased at the station rather than on the bus. All of these things will make the Red Line faster and more reliable.

The project team will be hosting events all along the corridor in order to get feedback on project details. Residents and business owners will have opportunities to help shape the Red Line infrastructure plans including station design and placement, changes to traffic flow and sidewalk needs. Current plans for the Red Line call for stations within Meridian~Kessler along 38th Street at Meridian and Park and along College Avenue at 42nd, 46th, 52nd, 54th and Kessler Boulevard.

For more information on the Red Line, or to stay informed about future opportunities to participate in planning the Red Line, sign up for the Indy Connect e-newsletter at www.

IndyConnect.org.

BlueIndy stations in MK The arrival of orange construction barrels often causes speculation. Work on the BlueIndy car share stations in early June were no exception.

Work on the stations for Indianapolis’ new all-electric car share program began at three locations in Meridian~Kessler: 54th and College, 52nd and College and 49th and Penn in early June. These locations and others across the Midtown neighborhoods, were some of the first stations constructed outside of downtown. Many business owners and residents expressed concern at the lack of notice provided by BlueIndy and its construction team. Without warning, many businesses faced weeks of inconvenience with closed sidewalks and blocked parking spaces.

Since construction started, MKNA President, Nick Colby has had several meetings with the BlueIndy team to discuss its plans and processes for installing a new station.

“The construction on the first three stations came as a surprise to all of us,” said Colby.

key issue that is discussed with residents and business owners,” said Colby.

“MKNA quickly met with city officials and representatives from BlueIndy to understand their plans. BlueIndy has promised to work with us and improve its outreach to businesses and neighbors immediately impacted by the new stations.”

Other BlueIndy station locations being considered in MK are 49th Street at College Avenue and 54th at the Monon area. MKNA is working to engage those who would be immediately impacted so they are aware of the proposed work.

MKNA has been working with Indianapolis’ Department of Public Works traffic engineers to review and address concerns raised about the loss of the on-street parking caused by the installation of the new stations.

The city has provided MKNA with short–term and long–term suggestions for ensuring that the street parking at 49th and Penn is maximized and efficiently utilized. In the first step, DPW crews will mark the parallel parking spaces in the area. Defining the parking spaces will provide drivers with guidance on correct spacing, which hopefully will lead to better utilization of the parking available.

Michael McKillip, Executive Director of Midtown Indianapolis, Inc., has also been reviewing the BlueIndy plans. “Despite our regrets over BlueIndy’s early stumbles and the resulting initial pain over parking, we believe BlueIndy holds great promise for Midtown and for our city. If we can combine BlueIndy with the anticipated arrival of mass transit in 2018 and the ongoing efforts to bring bike share infrastructure to Midtown, we are nearing the critical mass needed to fundamentally alter the way we travel.”

“MKNA will continue to work with the city and its traffic engineers to develop best practices that can be used for on-street parking at all urban business nodes. As MKNA gears up to discuss the specifics of the Red Line mass transit for College Avenue, parking will be a

Between 17 and 20 BlueIndy locations are expected to arrive throughout Midtown over the next year. Cars will be available within walking or biking distance of every major institution, commercial district and public amenity in Midtown.

Midtown residents share ideas about BlueIndy important reason my family moved to the “nOne MK area three years ago was the availability of multiple transportation options. We can drive when we need to, but we also have local businesses within walking distance, we can bicycle downtown or to Broad Ripple on the Monon Trail, and we have three IndyGo bus routes (#17, #18, #19) available within 2 blocks of our house. Two BlueIndy stations are now under construction within two blocks of our house, and a third just a little farther away. With a little luck, we’ll also see rapid transit within a few years.

That said, our family still owns two cars. We’d love to reap the health and financial benefits of becoming a “car-lite” family, owning just a single vehicle, but there are still the occasions where we find two cars necessary. These trips are primarily to downtown or Broad Ripple for entertainment or dining, or quick trips to shops outside the neighborhood. I see BlueIndy being the last piece of the car-lite puzzle for us, providing a simple and inexpensive option when we need a second vehicle for these errands and quick trips, allowing us to sell our second vehicle.

For us, going car-lite is primarily about our family’s financial well-being. AAA reports that the average cost of vehicle ownership approaches $9000/year. Most of that money leaves our local economy, draining wealth from our neighborhood and our city. Our family drives relatively modest used cars, but after doing the math for our specific situation, we spend approximately $5000/year in direct costs for each of our two

cars. $5000 is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a second vehicle for a couple quick trips per week. By selling one of our cars and using BlueIndy on the occasions we need a second vehicle, I estimate we will save approximately $4000/year. If I toss that in a 529 fund instead, we’ll have over $100,000 saved by the time my daughter heads to college.

Interestingly, since BlueIndy will only charge a fee when a car is in use, and not when the car is returned to a charging station, we’ll be much more likely to patronize businesses located near a charging station. When BlueIndy launches, we’ll be picking up or dropping off a car outside of Yats, or SoBro cafe, or Napolese, and walking by a handful of businesses to and from our home.

We’ll be much more likely to spend some of that $4,000 we’re saving at those local businesses than if we only had to walk to our garage and back. For the same reason, when we do need a BlueIndy car, we’ll be much more likely to drive to a business near a charging station. The choice of grocery store, or choice of restaurant, for example, might come down to which has a charging station out front.” —Matt Hanger • looking forward to trying out BlueIndy. I “ I’m see it as an economical, energy efficient, and convenient way to get to and from the airport, eliminating airport parking fees or the need to arrange for a ride.

As a single person, I don’t foresee being able to ditch my car but I do like the idea of using the BlueIndy service for occasional trips from SoBro to downtown, Irvington, and Fountain Square. I think it will be a great addition to the city and I’m certainly going to give it a try.” —Shari Voigt

am not sure how often I would use the BlueIndy “nnIsystem, but I can definitely think of scenarios where we would need another vehicle and this would be a great alternative.

My generation, the younger generation, is especially drawn to areas where we have variety and options in terms of commuting. We have such a great, walk-able neighborhood but if someone does not have a car, reaching any other part of the city is an incredibly large hassle. I may not be thrilled with where the parking spots are, the location of the parking spots makes sense. It is a highly traveled, easily accessible area. The minor inconvenience of the location will be greatly offset by the usefulness of the cars and charging stations.

I hope there will be a public bike rack nearby, because I could foresee myself and others biking over to the cars and using them.” —Tyler Neal • I am very excited for this program to “nnPersonally launch! We have several family members flying in who will be using these instead of rentals to get from the airport to our wedding downtown.

Tourism? Yes please. If they install a location at Tarkington, I will no longer need to drive my car and we can reduce down to a 1 car household.

The money it will save me in gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance will more than make up for any accrued costs elsewhere. Good bye gas guzzling wagon!” —Amber Champion

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Submit news and events. mkna.org/submit-news Remainder of MK to receive 96–gallon trash containers This summer, 96 Gallon Trash Carts are being distributed to the rest of Meridian~Kessler.

Some areas (predominantly east of College) were transitioned last fall.

In 2010, the City initiated the 96-gallon trash cart program to create a safer, cost efficient, and cleanertrash collection service for the residents of Indianapolis. If a resident has any concerns regarding the 96 gallon trash cart program, please contact (317)327-4622.

Residents that will receive a 96 gallon cart will be mailed informational postcards from Republic to notify them of their trash collection transition.

Opening soon— MK welcomes Brian Baker and Open Society Public House. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a South American influence, the new restaurant will open in late fall in the buildings last occupied by the Paw Patch Veterinary Hospital and Agrarian at 4850 N. College Ave.

Nick Wangler shares how ideas come to life at DeveloperTown 15 seconds… that’s roughly the length of time it takes to walk past the large reclaimed warehouse sitting on the Monon Trail between 52nd and 54th street.

If you were feeling adventurous and walked into that reclaimed warehouse, you’d be greeted by more than 40 office-sized houses, all on wheels, which are occupied by team members of a company called DeveloperTown.

Relocating— The Empty Vase florist currently located at 49th and Penn is moving to 1105 East 52nd Street by the Monon Trail.

At DeveloperTown, we specialize at the start of web and mobile products. Our team helps entrepreneurs and enterprise companies create new products through design, development, and marketing services. Our clients walk in with an idea and, anywhere from 3 to 12 months later, have a web or mobile app in the market.

Relocating— Agrarian urban homestead supply store currently located at 49th and College is moving to Monon Trail Station at 1051 E 54th Street in the building formerly occupied by Vibes Music. Vibes now operates as an online business.

Clients walk in from all sorts of geographic regions and backgrounds. Because we ask our clients to kick off projects at our office here in Meridian~Kessler, we’ve been fortunate to see Australians, Californians, Chicagoans, Texans, and yes, even Carmel-ites, experience the

MK Businesses on the move

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beauty of MK. Situated on Winthrop between 52nd and 54th street, we have the privilege of walking our clients to various local restaurants (Bent Rail is a current favorite), or along the Monon as we discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their new venture.

From companies like Becks Seeds and Delta Faucet, to entrepreneurs like Jason Seiden and Lisa Cervenka of Brand Amper (Chicago), we’ve had the privilege of helping some amazing people start incredible new endeavors.

We’ve also had the opportunity to sponsor community efforts like Nice Grants, founded by our friends at SmallBox. Nice Grants is a yearly no-strings-attached funding initiative for great ideas that benefit Indianapolis communities and residents. It’s through Nice Grants that projects like the repurposing of the murals on the Infinite Storage Building wall have been funded.

Being at the start of new web and mobile products is thrilling, but most importantly, provides the opportunity to bring new value into the market that didn’t otherwise exist.

One very tangible example of this is a startup we’re serving that’s creating what will be the first FDA approved smoking cessation app.

Founded by Adam and Kigho Knotts from Mobilify Technology, the app (called “Voyage”) uses a unique and personalized “step down” program personalized to each smoker, and follows the FDA’s 20 clinical guidelines required of smoking cessation programs. Users can tap a “I’m craving” button and a text message is

sent to pre-determined family members and friends so they can respond with encouragement. The user is also shown a picture of their spouse, child, or another family member as inspiration to avoid the craving.

Working with passionate people like Adam and Kigho to create a product that’s going to change the lives of the people who use it is a humbling opportunity for us. It’s just a small taste of the work that’s going on in that reclaimed warehouse on the Monon Trail.

The next time you walk past us, think about the creation and exchange of ideas that’s taking place inside. Come on in, take a look around, and get a burst of inspiration for the rest of your day.

Nick is the Director of Marketing Services at DeveloperTown. He can be contacted at nick@ developertown.com.

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PLACE AND SPACE

MK Place and Space is a regular feature column dedicated to the exploration of ideas on what makes Meridian~Kessler special as a built community. We encourage relevant conversations on architecture, urban planning and design, development and redevelopment, conservation and preservation. We invite ideas that contribute to how we shape our notions of our places and spaces. We publish research, case studies, projects, opinions and interviews.

MK Place and Space is edited by Kim Kourany, Mary Owens, Nick Colby and Christopher Vice.

Please share your ideas for future columns. Email suggestions to mkplaceandspace@mkna.org.

unless there are federal funds, permits or approvals required.

Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Plan

MKNA recently spent more than three years developing a Neighborhood Plan, which folds into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Plan provides guidelines for residential and commercial redevelopment, advocates for sustainable and attractive neighborhoods, and promotes the area’s unique historic character. The neighborhood plan is also a guide for making a decision about the use of a property and is used to evaluate rezoning applications, to project future population and employment concentrations and prioritize capital improvements.

MKNA Land Use Committee Change is an important part of keeping a community healthy and vibrant.

The Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) is constantly working to encourage growth, development and interest in its homes, commercial areas, programs and services. The association is also working to manage that change to ensure it is in line with Meridian~Kessler’s past and the vision for its future.

Other entities help manage change as well, and together, they offer property owners the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of historic neighborhoods while addressing their desire for modern-day lifestyles. Below is a description of some of these entities and their roles in our community.

Meridian~Kessler property owners should note that only one of the regulatory bodies listed below, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), offers protection against teardowns, so-called “McMansions,” inappropriate additions and new construction that is not consistent with surrounding homes or the overall character of Meridian~Kessler. While MKNA strives to protect and enhance the unique neighborhoods it serves, it is bound to the law, which— without IHPC oversight— offers very little protection at all. Thus, property owners, builders and developers are essentially free to do as they like with the property. This includes building five new homes where two homes (including a 100-year-old residence) stood or building/altering homes without input or review from neighbors or experts in city planning, architecture or historic preservation. Over time, these changes significantly change the neighborhood and erode the character that has defined it for more than a century.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the 12 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archeological resources. Four Meridian~Kessler neighborhoods are on the National Register: Washington Park, Oliver Johnson’s Woods, Forest Hills and Meridian Street.

To become a National Register District, buildings or neighborhoods must submit an application stating their historic significance.

The process typically begins with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (in.gov/ dnr/historic), where the criteria, forms and other considerations are housed. Generally, buildings or neighborhoods must document that they are old enough (more than 50 years old) and their integrity is primarily intact (i.e., it still looks the way it did in the past.)

The applicant must also document the building or neighborhood’s significance, such as events, activities or developments that were important in their past, architectural history, landscape history or engineering achievements and their potential to yield information through archeological investigation about its past.

Once a neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has a certain prestige and may receive associated publicity. It is an honorary designation, that allows property owners to apply for federal grantsin-aid and permits the use of investment tax credits for certified rehabilitation. It also provides protection from federally funded projects. In other words, property owners can do whatever they want with the property as long as there are no federal monies attached to the property. National Register designation does not restrict the sale or use of a property, nor does it protect any of the architecturally or historically significant aspects of the home(s) or neighborhood. In fact, the National Register of Historic Places has almost no bearing on zoning, land use or demolition,

Property owners who want to make changes to an existing building or develop new construction (e.g., new home or garage), must adhere to building ordinances. If plans call for something inconsistent with the current building ordinances, owners must petition the MKNA Land Use Committee. The Land Use Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) regarding variances of the zoning ordinances. The MKNA Land Use Chairperson often testifies for or remonstrates against zoning variances on behalf of the neighborhood.

Indianapolis Board of Zoning Appeals

Property owners who want to make changes to an existing building or develop new construction (e.g., new home or garage), must adhere to building ordinances. If plans call for something inconsistent with the current building ordinances, owners must petition the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA makes decisions on: variances of the zoning ordinances, special exceptions specifically allowed by the zoning ordinances, appeals of administrative decisions and approval petitions for modifications of previously approved petitions.

Many variances are related to setback, the distance from a curb, property line or structure within which building is prohibited.

Setbacks are building restrictions imposed on property owners.

Local governments create setbacks through ordinances and building codes, usually for reasons of public policy such as safety, privacy and environmental protection.

Setbacks prevent landowners from crowding the property of others, allow for the safe placement of pipelines and help to preserve wetlands.

All actions of the BZA require a public hearing. Indiana law requires petitioners to give public notice at least 10 days before the date set for a hearing. The orange yard signs are placed in public view to notify property owners in the designated vicinity. At the hearing, each party may appear in person, by agent or

by attorney. The planning staff and any other persons may appear before the Board at the hearing and present evidence in support of or in opposition to the request.

Most of the BZA’s efforts are devoted to hearing variance requests, but the BZA is under no obligation to grant those variances. It is only required to hear the requests and to render decisions based on its findings. Variances can sometimes significantly change the character of an area, and are, therefore, carefully considered. That does not mean that variances are inherently bad. Since zoning regulations are applied broadly across the community, they don’t always apply to specific circumstances. Variances allow some degree of flexibility to zoning regulations.

Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission

In 1967, the Indiana state legislature passed a law that established and empowered the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures.

The IHPC protects areas through local designation and through providing technical assistance on the restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures or areas. To date, there are 17 historic areas with a preservation plan implemented and enforced by the IHPC— none of which is within the Meridian~Kessler neighborhood.

appointed by the executive and legislative body of the consolidated city, with design and zoning review jurisdiction in the locally designated historic districts and conservation districts. Since 1976, the IHPC has had a professional staff that functions as a division of the Department of Metropolitan Development of the City of Indianapolis. The IHPC provides design and zoning review and approval for locally designated historic districts, conservation districts and individually designated properties.

Because the IHPC values property owners’ involvement in designating historic areas, it has developed a collaborative district designation process that encourages property owner participation. Property owners have the opportunity to suggest which aspects of a building’s or neighborhood’s characterdefining attributes need protection. The preservation plan may include specific architectural features or attributes that must be preserved. Every preservation plan is unique and tailored to the community’s needs. Some communities have preservation plans that regulate many aspects of the buildings or structures, while others are more general, such as in IHPC Conservation Districts. Unlike National Register designation, neighborhood plans and building ordinances, local historic designation provides protection against changes that are not consistent with surrounding homes or the neighborhood.

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) is a nine-member board

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Compare/Contrast Types of Historic Designation National Register Designation

Local Historic Designation by IHPC

Honorary federal designation only

Created by city ordinance

Offers no protection against privately funded projects

Protects against privately funded changes and demolitions

Offers minimal protection from Offers protection from state/federally state/federally funded projects funded projects Imposes no restrictions on changes Imposes restrictions on changes to the property to properties and demolitions, as outlined in the neighborhood’s preservation plan

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tivities for young guests include inflatables, games, cake walk, & face painting. The music lineup includes returning favorites as well as emerging local talent.

Grace Trahan-Rodecap shares how The Orchard School fosters the love of learning

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Fall Kick-Off Fest

Submit news and events. mkna.org/submit-news

Teachers at The Orchard School are experts when it comes to engaging students and fostering a love of learning. This is because Orchard’s rich history goes back more than 90 years, when nine Indianapolis women put into practice the philosophy of John Dewey.

Dewey was rebuffing a system where kids were seen as empty vessels, ready to be filled by teachers who possessed all the knowledge.

The nine women didn’t want that for their children. Like Dewey, they wanted children to be actively engaged in the learning process.

Those insightful women founded The Orchard School in 1922.

Since then, Orchard students have been persevering, creating, working with diverse groups of people, and becoming more actively involved in their own learning. For decades they’ve been practicing 21st-century skills.

The school’s high-quality experience begins with an exceptional early childhood program. This program, which enrolls children at the age of 3, offers a safe, engaging and stimulating environment. Focus is placed on the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of young children. Talented and passionate early childhood educators continually design and refine their program. They set challenging, achievable and age-appropriate developmental goals for each student.

Many educators are calling 3-D printing a revolutionary innovative technology that can introduce new learning and understanding methods. Orchard has not one but four 3-D printers. The process used to print objects helps with all facets of STEM-science, technology, engineering and math. This unit of study gets students excited about learning, and is just one example of Orchard’s outstanding program.

The school’s 42.9 acres serve as an outdoor classroom. Students tap trees in our woods to make maple syrup. Children also bury bottles of water in the snow to learn about insulation!

You’re invited to schedule a tour to see Orchard for yourself! Call 251-9253.

11th annual St. Thomas Aquinas Sausage Fest The 11th annual St. Thomas Aquinas Sausage Fest is August 21 & 22! Ice cold beer from Sun King brewery and delicious sausage from L.E. Kincaid and Son’s meat market, plus various local vendors provide delicious food and dessert choices. Wine garden, adult gaming, and raffle for the over-21 crowd. Teens will love the new back lot party with live music from the local School of Rock. Plenty of ac-

14 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Fall Kick-Off Fest is August 29 at 5692 Central Avenue. The 5k Run/Walk starts at 9 am. Preregistration is $15 per person, $50 per family of 4-6 people; no charge for children 6 and under. Fall Kick-Off Fest takes place from 4 to 11pm. Food, music, games. Admission is $1 for adults, free for people under 21. For more information call 317-257-2266.

25th Annual St. Joan of Arc French Market Featuring family entertainment and French cuisine, the 25th annual French Market will be held from noon to 10 pm on Saturday, September 12 on the grounds of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4217 Central Avenue.

The free festival, which started as a Sunday afternoon family picnic, has evolved into a major neighborhood street fair with live bands, artisan booths, a raffle, children’s games and an array of French food.

Featured bands this year include French Axe from noon to 2:00 pm, The Tides from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Fernando Tarango and the Wickersham Brothers from 4:30 – 6:30 pm and The Bishops from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

Raffle prizes include $2500 cash, four prizes of $500, a quilt made and donated by Pat Crossland, Electra Cruiser Men’s and Women’s Bikes donated by Bike Line, a Euro-Style Scooter, 2 Colts Tickets with a tailgate picnic by the Pawn Shop Pub and an NFL football autographed by Reggie Wayne, and a case of George DeBoeuf Beaujolais Nuvo wine.

Food offerings include quiche, escargot, oysters, mussels, French onion soup, cheese and fruit, rotisserie chicken, tarte flambé white Alsatian pizza, beef bourguignon, Crawfish Etouffee, crab cakes, pommes frites and ratatouille. French dip roast beef sandwiches and BBQ ribs will also be available.

Dessert offerings include beignets, cheesecake, cream puffs, éclairs, chocolate mousse and Madeleines. A bake sale will add to the gourmet selections.

Dozens of artisans will be setting up booths adjacent to the church grounds selling artwork, jewelry, apparel and religious items.

The family festival also features children’s games and children’s food until 5:00 p.m.

5:30 Mass will be celebrated in French

by Father Michael Hoyt in the historic Meridian~Kessler church constructed in 1929.

For additional event information, please contact the parish office at 283-5508 or the parish website at www.sjoa.org.

Across the street from North Central High School

49th and Penn.

Des na on MK buy a bucket of paint or a potted mum for your mom, polish your pearly whites, rotate your tires, bless the body with a hot stone massage, tuck into a lobster roll, savor a Hippie with a Benz, share a pie Rachel’s style, highlight your highlights, catch a cardio high, dryclean your drapes, service your 7 Series, secure your savings, savior a sub, linger over a latte…

Read a review of a hot restaurant or unique business in midtown Indianapolis?

Or maybe a friend keeps telling you about that charming local shopping district?

Chances are that they are talking about the intersection of 49th and Pennsylvania Street— a major hub smack dab in the middle of Meridian~Kessler neighborhood.

It’s been a vital commercial district for more than 75 years. Just remember, when you are this far south of Broad Ripple, you are in Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood.

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SOUTHWEST

NORTHEAST

1

7

Café Patachou

8

Napolese Pizzeria

9

DL Lowrey Salon

10

Studio 49 Fitness

11

Meridian Heights Cleaners

Sullivan Hardware and Garden

SOUTHEAST 2

Catton Indianapolis Family Dentist

Dr. Paul F. Peterson, DDS

Dr. Deidre Guerrettaz, DDS

3

Ty’s Penn Shell Station

NORTHWEST

4

The Empty Vase (moving soon!)

12

Pete’s Service Center

5

Europa Day Spa

13

Bank of Indianapolis

6

The Barking Dog Cafe

14

Noble Roman’s Pizza and Tuscano’s Subs

15

Hubbard & Craven Coffee & Tea

Pennsylvania Street 15

14

13

11 10 9

12

8

7 49th Street

1

3

4

5

6

2

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 17

18 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

Art & Frame Conservation Furniture | Textile | Sculpture Custom Matting & Framing Antique Frames | Mirrors Collection Assessment & Cataloging

1134 East 54th Street, Studio J Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 317.396.0885 mjeaneaster@yahoo.com Tuesday - Friday 11am-6pm Saturday 11am- 5pm Monday by chance or appointment

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 19

Bulletin Board

Submit news and events. mkna.org/submit-news Office/Meeting Space Available The Center for Faith and Community at Northwood Christian Church offers office and meeting space with convenient parking. Owned by the church, the Center sits at the corner of and located on 46Th Street & Central Avenue in the heart of the Meridian~Kessler and Midtown neighborhoods. In addition to Northwood Christian Church, The Vineyard and The Holy Apostles Churches, the Center is also home to such diverse entities as the Parkview CO-OP Preschool, the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus, Yogaworx and Lick ice cream. The Center caters to smaller office users, start-ups and those needing a site for special occasions.

Preference is for organizations dedicated to service of others, especially not-for-profits.

Space may be leased on an exclusive, shared or scheduled event basis. The facility contains small office spaces on three floors ranging in size from 185 to 975 square feet, 2 special purpose or board rooms, an auditorium with stage and 2 church sanctuaries. A kitchen with a multiple user license and use of a copier for a per-copy fee are also available. Utilities and cleaning of common areas are included in the lease and there is no CAM fee. The center is convenient to all parts of town with adequate

free parking for employees and guests. For small or new businesses, this is an excellent alternative to more expensive space in more highly developed commercial areas. For information, please contact Sherie Proctor at 317-283-1352.

Stan Cuppy shares the story behind the uniform Jean Easter of Easter Conservation Services helps local Meridian~Kessler resident Stan Cuppy preserve and create display strategy for his Grandfather’s World War I uniform.

I have always enjoyed historical artifacts that include a backstory and my Grandfather’s World War I uniform is no exception. This particular backstory begins with making those long trips as a young boy to visit my grandparents back in the early 1960s.

Memories of those special road trips include hanging out in the back of the Ford Country Squire station wagon where Dad would answer my endless questions about the motor & drive-train as he proudly piloted his land yacht down the road. Meanwhile Mom, flying “right” front seat, would lead us four siblings in car games to keep us occupied as we traversed thru endless farmland and quaint small towns across the flat Illinois prairie towards our final destination.

My Grandparents’ place was magical for me as a young boy. Think Norman Rockwell

meets Andy of Mayberry. It was a place where time stood still and you were about to play a supporting role in a movie like Night at the Museum. It’s where Grandfather would gather us kids on the back porch and begin to hold court with his “back in the day” stories and then give us unfettered access to the grounds to explore & discover artifacts that would support his tales of adventure from eras gone by.

His uniform is one such artifact and material evidence supporting Grandfather’s great stories that I discovered in the attic during one of my explorations as a young boy. A story about a patriotic young man in his early 20s going thru boot camp back in 1918 and raring to get on that troop ship to cross the Atlantic to defeat the Hun in Europe and a young lady (Grandmother) faithfully awaiting his return after the War. So what better places to take his uniform and prepare it for display to honor his memory than Jean Easter at Easter Conservation Services. When it comes to preserving and displaying vintage prints or one off historical artifacts like this uniform, Jean comes to mind because I know she will do a great job.

All I have to do is give her some general guidelines of what I am looking for and leave the artistic-technical details to her to make it happen. No job is out of the question for Jean. Whether its textiles, vintage prints, or other artistic mediums, she delivers a quality product that displays well and will last for

Advertise

Reach 19,000 MK residents through our full color news magazine— MK Spark!

Download our Media Kit at mkna.org/advertise Our newsletter is published quarterly and mailed to 7,000 Meridian~Kessler households, our extended business community, churches, schools and government offices.

HOLIDAY 2015 Magazine November, December, January Distributed November 14 Advertising Materials Deadline October 5 SPRING 2016 Magazine February, March, April Distributed February 20 Advertising Materials Deadline January 8

20 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

generations. It also helps taking Jean to The Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple for desert to make sure your project stays top of mind and a priority‌ just saying!

Easter Conservation Services specializes in the conservation, treatment, and assessment of paintings, frames, prints, furniture, and textiles.

Jean Easter, proprietor, is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology of New York, with a degree in the restoration of decorative objects. She has had the privilege of interning or working with leading art studios and museums in New York, London and Paris and has over 20 years experience working with clients that include corporate, public-private institutions, interior designers, and individuals in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana area. She is a Professional Associate in the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 21

This page clockwise from top left: Washington Boulevard at 45th Street; 44th Street between Meridian Street and Illinois Street; Carrollton Avenue at 35th Street; Broadway Street at 44th Street. Opposite: Carrollton Avenue between Northview Avenue and 56th Street. Look for the one, too, on Washington Boulevard at 55th Street.

Over the past few years, free little libraries have been popping up all over Midtown Indianapolis. In the spirit of community resource sharing, residents have erected charming boxes full of books that invite neighbors to ‘take a book, return a book.’

They are tapping into an established national movement that got it’s start in 2009 when “Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher who loved reading.” Learn more at littlefreelibrary.org And don’t forget about our best local library— the free not–so–little College Avenue Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library at 4180 College Avenue.

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book worms Free Little Libraries are feeding

around Midtown

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 23

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 25

Washington Boulevard

Pennsylvania Street

Meridian~Kessler is organized into eight districts each represented by a zone delegate. If you have questions, issues or ideas please contact your zone delegate.

Central Avenue

ZONE 5

Broadway Street

54 th Street S

College Avenue

ZONE 6

ZONE 8

Carrollton Avenue

ZONE 7

Guilford Avenue

38th to Kessler.

Meridian to the Monon.

you are here Kessler Boulevard

Monon Trail M

Winthrop Avenue Wint

Carro

College Avenue Broa

Cen

Washin

Penns

Meridian Street Mer

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Home of MKNA Offices 526 East 52nd Street The Board of the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association meets monthly in the Community Room of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Visit our website for meeting dates and times. mkna.org

Meridian~Kessler Hot Spots

Want your business or event listed as a MK Hot Spot? Give us a call.

ridian Street

Jenn Baron & Cassie Gilford /// zone2@mkna.org

38 th Street

ZONE 1

42 nd Street

ZONE 2

ZONE 4

throp Avenue

Central to the Monon Trail 42nd Street to 38th Street

Zone 2

Corrina Thompson & Chad Thompson /// zone4@mkna.org

Central to the Monon Trail 46th Street to 42nd Street

Zone 4

Chris Warren /// zone6@mkna.org

Central to the Monon Trail 54th Street to 46th Street

Zone 6

Nancy Waite /// zone8@mkna.org

Central to the Monon Trail Kessler Boulevard to 54th Street

Zone 8

Dawn Zapinski /// zone1@mkna.org

Meridian to Central 42nd Street to 38th Street

Zone 1

sylvania Street

Sheryl Facktor-Mervis /// zone3@mkna.org

ngton Boulevard

ZONE 3

adway Street

Meridian to Central 46th Street to 42nd Street

ollton Avenue

Zone 3

Glenn Harkness /// zone5@mkna.org

Meridian to Central 54th Street to 46th Street

Zone 5

46 th Street

ntral Avenue

Todd Dixon /// zone7@mkna.org

Meridian to Central Kessler Boulevard to 54th Street

Zone 7

Monon Trail Monon Trail

Winthrop Avenue

Guilford Avenue

Carrollton Avenue College Avenue

Broadway Street

Central Avenue

Washington Boulevard

Pennsylvania Street

Meridian Street

Indianapolis Opera, Basile Opera Center 4011 N Pennsylvania Street The Indianapolis Opera company performs all over the city but they call MK home.

Dont’t miss out on their Lobster Palooza event on Saturday, July 18 indyopera.org

College Avenue Branch, Indianapolis Public Library 4180 N College Avenue In 2000 the $2.674 million dollar College Avenue Branch opened.

The 16,000 square-foot facility houses 62,000 items and offers off-street parking, meeting room and improved access for patrons with physical disabilities. imcpl.org/locations/college/

317-927-7186 $100 OFF $50 OFF $50 OFF ANY ANY PLUMBING ANY DRAIN WATER HEATER

28 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

REPAIR

CLEANING

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 29

As the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association turns 50 years old, Ted Boehm, one of the original founders, and a few key leaders remember the uncertain times, toast the vibrancy of today and await what might come next

Some things never change, but

By Kathleen Berry Graham

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Even early in the morning on a dark, rainy Wednesday in June, the corner of 54th and College was hopping. A rain-slickered, 30-somethingyear-old scurried south while her two dogs tangled their leashes. A food supply semi-truck, blocking the west-bound lane, rumbled while its driver wheeled a dolly, stacked high with boxes, to Twenty Tap. Two teens huddled under one large umbrella and a mom with a toddler in stroller rapid-fire jabbed the cross-walk buttons before hustling across College. A few less-harried locals

“The original mission of our group was much the same as it is today for the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association,” Boehm says.

In 1965 the founders talked about forming a neighborhood association that would: Bring neighbors closer together; Provide services for newcomers; Monitor zoning issues; Help to maintain quality schools; Provide municipal services for residents; Support local businesses.

Boehm remembers the group deliberating the boundaries of the proposed new neighborhood. The south and west boundaries were not debatable—38th Street to the south and Meridian Street to the west—because those borders already adjoined existing organized neighborhoods. But the boundary to the north was difficult to determine. “Honestly, we just made it up as we went,” Boehm says.

sometimes things get even better drank coffee in the comfort of a humid coffeehouse just a few car slots away from the action.

And while the baristas brewed house specialties, Ted Boehm, who over the last five decades has lived at three different addresses in the Meridian~Kessler neighborhood, surveyed the landscape with a casual eye. A sort-of memory lane with a really good feeling.

Boehm doesn’t live in Meridian~Kessler now, but he had a hand in making it what it is today. “In some respects it really hasn’t changed that much in 50 years,” he says, “which is a really good thing.” You see, quite by chance, Boehm and a few like-minded locals got together 50 years ago to form the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association. “I’m not sure what the original catalyst was but we were worried about urban white flight since the demographics were changing.”

In 1965 the times were tumultuous when the first African-American family moved into the Meridian~Kessler area. “We wanted an orderly integration,” Boehm remembers. “We wanted to make people feel good about the area.” Boehm and his cadre liked what was happening to the west in Butler Tarkington, so they looked at its neighborhood association and wondered if they could replicate some of the good things it was doing.

Boehm credits Rev. Gerald Johnson, of the then Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, with forming the original group. Boehm says early on Pat Ulen, Betty Haerle, Shirley Hook, Father David Lawler (former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church), Lois Otten, George Smith, Marie Robb and Catherine Brown were instrumental in pulling him onboard.

“And the Monon was a natural border to the east.”

At first the northern border was set at 46th Street, then moved to 54th Street. By the time the MKNA’s constitution and by-laws were finalized, however, the boundary was extended north to Kessler Boulevard. “It sounded good—‘Meridian~Kessler’—but we had no idea that it would take off the way it did. We didn’t really have an agenda but we knew we wanted to give the residents a sense of being a part of a group, to have an identity and we wanted to include everyone,” Boehm recalls.

Nancy Showalter, who had just moved into her first home in the 4800 block of College Avenue in 1965, says, “The whole Meridian~Kessler area was in a little bit of a slump back then. It was an uncertain time and people were leaving, but some of us kept our feet here. We stuck it out.” Showalter and her husband still live in Meridian~Kessler and have lived at two different addresses. They appreciate the old and the new. “Years ago it was like a small town within a big city and it’s still pretty much that today,” Showalter says. “My kids walked to Friendly Foods. We had a monthly charge account at Hamaker Pharmacy. We could go down to the corner to get everything—ice cream, Band-Aids, a newspaper and we could charge it.”

Showalter says MKNA has played a huge part in keeping alive the community spirit of the area. “Yes, a lot has changed. There are not as many kids or parents here during the daytime hours like in the past. But the diversity of people, incomes, houses, independent businesses and even the different zones of the area remain. In 1965 people were escaping. Now people want to move here.”

Home to 6500 households and about 15,000 residents the Meridian~Kessler footprint is locked. “But it keeps changing and getting better,” says Caroline Farrar, executive director of the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association since 1984. “People meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 31

were worried in 1965. Education played a big role and some of the poorer areas of Meridian~Kessler were getting poorer.” Between 1990 and 2000 more than 50,000 residents left the area in the five mile radius surrounding Meridian~Kessler. And the exodus of city dwellers continued during 2000–2010, yet the population of MK remained stable throughout both decades. “We’ve always known that the area cannot grow geographically so we’ve always known that we must maintain the integrity and improve every parcel of what we have.”

Many of the goals today match the thoughts of the original group in 1965, but Farrar says the organization, like the neighborhood, keeps improving. She says that through neighborhood volunteering, expert fundraising, political navigating and a culture of collaborating, MKNA has improved the quality of life for businesses and residents for the last 50 years. “Sometimes it’s just the little things,” she says. Her first example goes back to the 1980s when Christy Seastrom worked with MKNA to establish the first curbside recycling program in Indianapolis.

Today the MKNA is a volunteer 501 (c3) non-profit neighborhood organization that includes residents, businesses, schools, churches and organizations. It represents the largest neighborhood community in Indianapolis. “We are proud of the businesses, the faithbased choices that are available and the many public and private schools in the neighborhood,” Farrar says.

She sites four examples of what is working better today than in 1965.

Education “Schools are better,” says Farrar. “In 1965 we were losing families.

Now we have a waiting list at School 84 and St. Joan of Arc needs more space. I believe the MKNA grant program has supported every school within its boundaries at some time—IPS 55, 70, 84 and the Montessori School 91, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joan of Arc and Broad Ripple High School—probably even more.”

Housing

The 1965 group outlined six priorities for MNKA. Today MNKA lists six goals as well—many mimic the original group’s intentions.

“The housing stock is better, the infrastructure is better, our roads and sidewalks are better,” says Farrar. “The MKNA is always working with the city on zoning and planning issues.”

• Communicate.

Communication

• Organize community meetings where critical neighborhood issues are addressed, host business and clergy breakfasts and publish community newsletters.

Farrar says zone delegates, Google groups and social media keep the association, residents and businesses better informed about zoning, developments and social issues. “We’re a better place now because of communication and efforts by many to push forward.

Meridian~Kessler sells itself today.”

• Partner with community stakeholders.

• Support the work of organizations serving youth and seniors.

• Preserve historic qualities.

• Prioritize neighborhood beautification efforts and promote commitment to historic architecture.

“Much of the focus when we started was really land use and branding of the neighborhood,” says Boehm. He says they wanted to elevate the sense of where they lived as well as the local economy, to strengthen the vitality of the independent businesses and to enhance the well-being of the people who lived in all the different zones. “We knew there was a risk of it all going downhill if we couldn’t establish pride in where we live and what we do,” Boehm says. “And that really hasn’t changed even today.”

Farrar says Boehm’s mission continues. “MKNA makes a great effort to improve businesses and bring vitality to the neighborhood.

We’ve added some social activities—the annual Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association Home Tour and the night-before Twilight Tour.” The proceeds from those events help support churches, schools, community efforts and businesses within the area. “We are also very careful to limit what can happen in the area,” Farrar cautions. “Careful to prevent encroachment of residential areas and careful to maintain a thriving community spirit.”

Business Development “We’ve had a burgeoning of new business lately,” Farrar says. “Just look at a few of the new places around 52nd and 54th Streets— Twenty Tap, Fat Dan’s, The Fresh Market, The Dancing Donut, Delicia, Locally Grown Gardens, Posh Petals, DeveloperTown, TCC Software Solutions and so many more.” (See a more complete list of new MK establishments in What’s Changed in Meridian~Kessler? on page 34.)

Farrar, who originates from New York, says people are knocking themselves down to get into Meridian~Kessler for a fairly basic list of reasons. “Why? It’s because of the proximity to downtown, libraries, the independent businesses, entertainment options and Butler. And it’s so walkable. Plus so many people want to live in an urban neighborhood,” she says. “We share alleys, enjoy each other’s gardens and backyards. We keep an eye out for our neighbors’ houses, dogs and kids. We might have small lots but we pack it all in and the MKNA has helped to make all of that happen over the last 50 years.” She hopes it will do more of the same for the next 50 years.

“Often the first thing people think about when they hear about the association is the home tour,” says Nick Colby, current president of the Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association. “It’s a fun, CONTINUED on 33

32 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

50 Reasons why people LOVE living in Meridian~Kessler As the MKNA turns 50 years old, more than 50 MK residents— veterans, newbies, kids, plus a few who have moved away—professed what they love about living here. Be prepared, many answers include walking, alleys or watering holes. Maybe a pub in a back alley accessible by foot is next in line. Here’s what the locals said:

Find out more, get connected!

Want to see more of the neighborhood architecture and check out the interiors of a few historic homes? MKNA hosts an annual home tour in June every year. Get details here: hometour.mkna.org Or want more information about the association, how it works and what it’s doing for you?

Check out the MKNA on the web: mkna.org facebook.com/MKNAIndy twitter.com/MeridianKessler instagram.com/MeridianKessler pinterest.com/MeridianKessler youtube.com/MeridianKessler www.flickr.com/MeridianKessler

1 Classic homes, walking to school,

playing ditch—an amazing place

to grow up.

2 The Red Key. 3 The big trees.

4 The independent businesses.

5 Sidewalks. They bring people together.

6 No roundabouts.

7 Being able to walk to shops, churches

and restaurants.

8 So many interesting and

engaging neighbors.

9 Small neighborhood parks.

10 The community spirit. Neighbors

are always willing to help.

11 Best place to trick-or-treat.

12 Free Little Libraries.

13 It’s like a little city within tight borders.

14 Linear bocce ball tournament in the

alley between Park and College.

15 Everyone walks and so many

people walk with dogs.

16 It’s all inclusive. Million dollar homes,

apartments, duplexes and bungalows

and everyone gets it.

17 Homeowners are proud of the neighborhood.

18 Accessibility to downtown.

19 Alley gardens.

20 St. Joan of Arc Community Garden and

other community gardens.

21 The old-school, independent bars

and restaurants.

22 Great bars. Great restaurants.

Great Christmas lights.

23 The corner where you can get breakfast,

pick up your dry cleaning and stop at

the hardware store plus waste time

chatting with friends at every stop.

24 Summer nights when you can hear the

State Fair train whistle.

25 So many good coffee shops.

26 The Monon.

27 Walking for exercise while running

errands—to the bank, Fresh Market or

out to eat.

28 The charm and character of historic

homes.

29 Fat Dan’s.

30 It is a real neighborhood where you

get to know—and like—your neighbors.

Most of the time.

31 The neighbors—like the guy who is crazy

enough to drive a snowmobile down the alleys.

32 The diversity in options for faith

plus the beautiful churches.

33 After-school meetings in the backyard

shed clubhouse with friends who

walked home on the same path.

34 Block parties.

35 The 40 or more restaurants or cool

shops within a half-mile or less from

home.

36 Kickball games in the middle of the

street where kids use trees for bases.

37 Kids can walk everywhere—to school,

to friends’ houses, to get ice cream.

38 Riding scooters in the alley.

39 Copper gutters.

40 Luminaries on New Jersey Street on

Christmas Eve. 41 Every house is different.

42 Front porches.

43 All the differences—elders live next door

to millennials, different politics and

religions are all accepted.

44 A street wedding with a Ferris wheel.

45 Everything anyone needs is no farther

away than a bike ride or a stroll.

46 The simple things—mom-and-pop

shops, people who say ‘Hi’ on the street.

47 The diversity—in both the people and

the places to frequent.

48 Seeing groups of kids walk to neighbor-

hood private and public schools.

49 It’s vibrant and evolving but its history

is intact and on display.

50 The houses, the restaurants, the pubs,

but most of all, the people.

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 33

“…but Meridian~Kessler’s diversity is really in its demographics, the people, their personalities, religious choices and political affiliations.

The association hopes to help to keep it that way. Plus we are happy to have thriving businesses— established and emerging…”

NICK COLBY President of Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association and Vice President of Colby Equipment— a family–owned, independent heating company that was located in Meridian~Kessler in 1965.

34 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

TED BOEHM “It was really the art of the impossible. We had no staff, no office, willy-nilly volunteers.

We relied on churches to spread the word when we printed our first poster to announce the association. Then we started asking merchants to listen to our idea.” The first meeting was June 2, 1965. By year two, Boehm was president. early-summer, annual event that has grown to include a Friday evening Twilight Tour that draws between 400-500 people—mostly people who live in the neighborhood,” he says.

The daytime MKNA Home Tour, which draws more than 2,000 each year, attracts crowds from across the city and some out-of-towners.

“It’s our chance to show off a bit,” says Colby, who has lived in the neighborhood for 10 years. Yet he likes to remind people that Meridian~Kessler is not all about that corridor down Meridian Street. “It’s a very diverse neighborhood. Diversity that really took hold many years ago and developed on its own. The tour allows residents and outsiders to see examples of all of the architecture— everything from Colonials, Craftsmans, Italianates, Tudors and Four Squares to tiny carriage houses and modest bungalows—but Meridian~Kessler’s diversity is really in its demographics, the people, their personalities, religious choices and political affiliations. The association hopes to help to keep it that way,” says Colby. “Plus we are happy to have thriving businesses— established and emerging— in all areas.”

Attracting appropriate business developments keeps the landscape energetic says former Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association President Mary Owens. “The recent development along the Monon Corridor is one of the areas where MKNA has been very involved lately,” says Owens. “Hard to believe that a former carpet distributor spot is now home to more than 40 up-and-coming software entrepreneurs.”

Owens, who currently chairs the MKNA Land Use Committee, has spent more than 15 years working on neighborhood zoning and planning issues. “We work to protect and enhance buildings, but more important, we want the neighbors to know that we honor the past and want to maintain the historic nature while making good changes.” Owens says the wealth of well-designed, quality buildings makes it possible for spaces to be redeveloped again and again.

“Good design will withstand trends and makes it easy for spaces to be revitalized.”

What’s next? Owens says to keep watching the intersection of 49th and College. “The southwest corner is about to be transformed by New York restauranteur Brian Baker who is planning a coffee and wine bar called Open Society Public House which will blend classic Latino cultures with local Indiana roots. “Meridian~Kessler is blessed with good buildings and good neighbors and has been for 50 years. It keeps reinventing itself.”

Boehm says his early group never shied away back in 1965 even though the endeavor lacked resources. “It was really the art of the impossible. We had no staff, no office, willy-nilly volunteers. We relied on churches to spread the word when we printed our first

poster to announce the association. Then we started asking merchants to listen to our idea.” The first meeting was June 2, 1965. By year two, Boehm was president.

Boehm kept busy professionally while the association evolved. He served as an attorney in both private practice and corporate council for many years before he was appointed an Associate Justice on the Indiana Supreme Court from 1996-2010.

And he credits his early work with MKNA as a model for some of his civic and community contributions in later years. He remains a wise but soft-spoken gentleman who doesn’t shout of his many accomplishments including CEO of both the Indiana Sports Corporation and the Pan Am Games Organizing Committee. He was president of the Penrod Society and Chair of the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission.

“The early work with Meridian~Kessler taught me how to get things up and running,” Boehm admits. “I learned that it is good to have events that make people feel good about where they live.”

Looking back now, Boehm says he thinks his 1965 team was pretty successful.

It was still raining when Boehm left the robust corner at 54th and College to revisit his first Meridian~Kessler address on 45th Street just east of Meridian for a quick photo for this story. He stood in the street and glanced at his front door from the past with a certain calm and longing. Unplanned and unbeknownst to him the current owner happened to be approaching by foot from the east where Pennsylvania Street meets 45th. Introductions were made and the current owner graciously invited Boehm in to see the dwelling as it is today. Boehm accepted. “It was both nostalgic and delightful to see that the place was in such great shape and much improved,” Boehm says. Very much the way he left Meridian~Kessler.

Kathleen Berry Graham has lived in Meridian~Kessler for more than 30 years.

Thank you to the many former and current Meridian~Kessler residents and business owners who shared their knowledge about the history of Meridian~Kessler: Ted Boehm, Caroline Farrar, Vicki Miller, Nick Colby, Dan Fagan, Mary Ann Fagan, Molly Seidel, Nancy Showalter, Irvin Showalter, John Mallon, Amanda Duncan, Rick Rising-Moore, Melissa Uhte, George Kaczmarski, Christopher Vice, Trikam Parmar, Bill Hamaker, Paul Dibold and Mary Owens. meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 35

What’s changed in MK?

Do you remember an iconic Meridian~Kessler landmark from 1965 or love a new development today? Please tell us and be sure to check future issues for updates. Share your favorite ‘back-then’ or ‘here-now’ MK spot with us at: spark@mkna.org.

Check out the sampling below of Meridian~Kessler establishments in 1965 and a few of what’s here today.

Then

& Now

42nd & College Avenue Junior League Next-to-New Shop Prather Masonic Lodge Uptown Drugstore Uptown Cleaners AFNB Bank Harold’s Restaurant Kennington American Legion Post College Uptown Tavern To Your Door Pizza

Indianapolis Public Library College Avenue Branch A Taste of Philly Pretzel Shop St. Joan of Arc Community Garden Indianapolis Fire Department Station 31 Church of Christ

49th & Pennsylvania Street Meridian Heights Cleaners Hamaker Pharmacy Lloyd’s Barber Shop Linder’s Ice Cream Store Brown’s Standard Service Station Draga Shell Service Station Laura Martin Dress Shop Dollen’s Meat Market Martin Furniture Store Mary Smith Beauty Salon McCoy’s Hardware Gilbert’s Flower Shop

Meridian Heights Cleaners (still there!)

Sullivan Hardware and Garden National Bank of Indianapolis Noble Roman’s Pizza and Toscano’s Subs Hubbard & Cravens Coffee and Tea Ty’s Penn Shell Automotive Café Patachou and Napolese Pizzeria Pete’s Service Center Studio 49 Fitness DL Lowry’s Salon Barking Dog Café Europa Day Spa

49th & College Avenue Uptown Business Center Fisher’s Pharmacy Pin Spotter’s Bowling Supplies Sharp’s Barber Shop College Corner Beauty Shop Darko Cleaners Steck Plumbing

Upland Brewery Agrarian Homestead and Supply Shop Open Society Public House (opening this fall!)

The Sinking Ship Patachou Business Office Room 4 and Recess Moto City Classic Cleaners

54th & College Avenue Ballinger’s Music Store Baker Drugs Bokay Florist New-to-You Apparel Shop B & B Barber Shop College Cobbler Shoe Repair Osborn Beauty Shop Atlas Supermarket Crazy Al’s Pizza Tuchman Cleaners

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Moe and Johnny’s Cornerstone Coffee Sam’s Gyros Twenty Tap Fat Dan’s Yogulatte The Fresh Market Emmetts The Studio Bebop Pizza Kitchen Jazz Kitchen Array Architecture YATS!

Bulletin Board

Submit news and events. mkna.org/submit-news Sweet delicious dancing dreams Butler Tarkington may have its Flying Cupcakes, but now MK has its DANCING DONUTS! With a super animated

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meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 39

home equity MK tradition generates a bounty of

Photographs by Brigid Clarke / Harvest Moon Photography

The 42nd Annual Meridian~KesslerTwilight Party & Home Tour took place June 5, 6 and 7.

500 neighbors and friends attended the Twilight Tour and Party in Forest Hills.

Over 2,000 people toured seven homes on Saturday and Sunday.

The Home Tour raised $75,000 Including $30,000 in sponsorships.

25% of the proceeds (over $18,000!) will fund the Vi Walker Neighborhood Grant program for non-profits and schools that serve our neighborhood residents.

The balance of the proceeds directly fund MKNA’s continual efforts to advocate on behalf of residents, encourage positve growth and ensure long–term stability and safety.

A huge “Thank you” to the homeowners who graciously opened their doors and allowed us to showcase their homes. Without the generosity and support of these families, this event would not be possible. Thanks, too, to our funders including headline sponsors Citizens Energy Group, IPL and California Closets. We’d also like to thank the volunteers and committee members who contributed their time and talents to the event. Committee Chair Bihl Beckstedt performed a nearly superhuman feat of endurance and creativity!

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LIVE 42 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ LEARN ~ GROW ~ GROW IN MK IN MK

LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

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This fall, we’re throwing a big fun family–friendly birthday party!

Start thinking about what you want to contribute to the MK Community Time Capsule!

Get in touch with us if you want to collaborate.

44 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

Participate in Your Neighborhood Partnership MKNA’s broader work on behalf of you, your neighbors and our community includes: monitoring and advocating community positions on land use, zoning, infrastructure, schools, traffic issues and beautification efforts; partnering with our public safety officers to reduce crime in local and adjoining neighborhoods; raising funds and making grants to youth and senior programs; communicating with you through our printed magazine, website, social media as well as resident and business email newsletters.

MKNA is an all volunteer organization.

EVERYONE is welcome!

Join a committee.

Become a member today.

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I’m interested in volunteering to participate in these activities

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Vi Walker Grant Committee

Newsletters (Print / Email)

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Public Safety Liaisons

Business Community Liaisons

Home Tour

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Community Partnerships

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Social Services Liaisons

Education / School Liaisons

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Fund Raisisng

Marketing

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Pay by VISA/MasterCard, check payable to MKNA or sign up online— mkna.org MAIL to 526 East 52 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 317.283.1021 • 317.695.8272 fax • info@mkna.org

Individual

$20

Family

$40

Supporter

$100

Promoter

$250

Benefactor

$500

Sponsor

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$2,500

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46 | LIVE ~ WORK ~ SHOP ~ PLAY ~ LEARN ~ GROW IN MK

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(Reg. $100) - Mention this ad to receive the deal. • Free Full Bumper to Bumper Inspection

meridian-kessler.org | FROM 38th TO KESSLER. FROM MERIDIAN TO THE MONON | 47

Thank you to the donors who support MKNA. Our active members as of July 15, 2015.

Resident Members Supporters $50—249 Mark & Meg Alberts Barb & Kent Alder John Stille & Elizabeth Aldora David Allaben Sue & Bill Allen Robert & Julie Anger Bill Appel Don Arbogast Michael Arnold Tony Artis Chrissy Astbury Randall & TiaJah Wynne Ayers Carole Casto & Bill Barnhorst David & Theresa Bartz Emily Walvoord & Greg Bauwens Marvin & Greta Bechtel Bihl Beckstedt Carrie & Karl Benko Peyton & Angela Berg Bryan Bingham Scott & Denise Black Peggy Blazek Tatiana Foroud & Eric Boes Chris & Karla Boggs Bob & Lolita Bohn Dennis & Lynn Boone Alex & Andrea Boutselis Phyllis Boyd Bob & Chris Broughton Doug & Constance Brown J. D. Browning Scott & Marilyn C. Bruins Ruth-Anne Herber & Daniel Bunting Raul Burciaga Dwight & Audrey Burlingame Dick Butler & Jamie Sweet-Butler Ainsley & Elizabeth Byfield Megan Byrne Susan Bettis & Michael Cabat Matthew & Kerry Caito Andy & Emily Campbell Brandon Canfield John & Juliana Capone Craig & Elizabeth Carpenter Katharine Carr Robyn & Brad Cates Pat Chastain Barb Granneman & John Chirgwin Robert Plienis & Matthew Chittick Susan M. Christensen Dan & Julia Clark Jane Clarke David & Mary Beth Claus Larry & Ellen Coan Carlos Coelho Nick & Kelly Colby Scott & Katie Collevechio Telene Edington & William Connor Drew & Christopher Conrad Laurie Kemplay & Stacy Cook Arthur & Sharon Cope Jane & Wade Corbin Steve & Pat Couvillion

Maurice & Fannie Cox David & Ellen Crabb Andrea Davis & Stephen Cranfill Carole Crist Chad & Kim Davis Paul & Carol DeCoursey Matt & Lynda Deitchle Scott & Lynn Denne Steve & Mari DeRyke Christen Dilly Mike & Suzy Dilts Connie & Dean Dooley Rich & Dawn Doup Dan & Jamie Drewry Steve & Kris Duncan Howard & Jenni Egger Kurt & Sidney Eisgruber Norman Gwaltney & Julie Elliott Lucy A. Emison Jeff & Susan Emmick Margaret Ertel Jack & Melanie Esselman Joe & Whitney Faires Jim Farley Linda Farrell Marios Fellouka Drs. H. Lane & Mary Ferree Sally Catlin & Gabriel Filippelli Jerrey & Barbara Finnegan Patrick & Donna Fish Gene & Sandra Fisher Gene & Pat Fitzgerald Patrick & Leah Flanagan Nolan Smith & Erica Fledderjohn V.M. Fredland & L.M. Folz Edwin Free & Cindy Zweber-Free Marc & Monica Frost Kristen & Mike Fruehwald Greg Gaich Scott Gilchrist Cassie & Chad Gilford Christie L. Gillespie Bill & Mary Ann Goetze Laurel Goetzinger Mel & Judy Goldstein Dr. Lynn Klus & Chris Golightly Sheila Brown & Juan Gonzalez Sarah Kunz & John Goodman Patty & Jerry Gotway Rich & Susan Graffis Mark & Meredith Gramelspacher Aaron & Kerry Greenlee Michael & Melissa Grimes Ain & Linda Haas Rick & Eileen Hack Tom & Susie Hacker Amy Hamilton Perry & Melanie Hammock Dick & Sherry Hamstra Susie & Thomas Hanchar Laura S. Haneline Carl & Carolyn Hansen Mrs. August M. Hardee Glenn Harkness Garrett & Teressa Hart James Harvey Jeremy Hatch Desirae Haynes Thomas Hayward John & Susan Hazer

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Samuel & Margaret Hazlett Paul & Melissa Helft Lisa Hamilton & Dave Hensel Sarah Herd Jeff Miller & Joyce Hertko Bruce Heslin Mark & Nichole Hicks Doug & Sylvia Hill Richard Toumey & Sharon Hilmes Eleanor & Joseph Hingtgen William & Patricia Hirsch George & Irene Hoffmann James & Julia Hogan Heather Ross & Tim Holtz Loren & Amanda Horan Ben & Sonja Houle Gene & Tomi Hsiao Mark & Sarah Hudson Matthew Flalt & Leslie Hulvershorn Rick Parker & Susan Huppert Steve & Sheila Hyatt Tom & Kerry Irick Dennis & Cindy Jackson Patrick & Barbara James Alan & Ann January Doug & Ruth Jean Brad Wood & Jennifer Jefferis Bob & Claudia Johnson Holly Jones Joe & Maggie Jordan John & Julie Leahy Jr. Gerald & Patricia Keener Jeff Zickgraf & Erin Kelley Ernest Brooks & Ruth Kelly Mike & Pegg Kennedy John & Sally Kennedy Bob & Sara Kessing Alan & Anne Kimbell Timothy King Alex Duarte-Silva & Robert Kleist Beth & C.J. Kloote Tibor Klopfer & Shawna Frazer-Klopfer Alan V. & Beth Ann Klotz Ken & Lisa Kobe Dan & Chelsea Koehring Julie Komsiski Prem Konakondla Michael & Kim Kourany Dick & Roxanne Kovacs Peter Kraft Tom Healy & Elsa Kramer Charles & Kelli Kunkel Michael & Rose Kurtz Robert & Alice Lahrman Teri Lambert Ned & Martha Lamkin Jody & Fritz Lamprey Mike & Carrie Langellier Stephen Laramore Bill & Teresa Larson Jim & Kathy Lauck Gene & Carolyn Lausch Allison & Dan Lechleiter Bill Mirola & Jim LeGrand Nicholas B. & Amy L. Lemen Michele Janin & Tom Linebarger Andrew & Mary Louden Lloyd & Wendy Lyons Tim & Marjorie Maginn

James Maguire Steve & Gail Marcopulos John & Lynn Marshall Jeff & Meghan Martin Jeff & Elisa McDermott Craig & Kathleen McGaughey Todd & Amy McLean Bart Peterson & Pete McNamara Wes & Katherine Merkle Douglas & Trinda Metzger Jim & Barb Mifflin John & Erin Miller Mary Rose Miller Greg & Kathy Miller Sally & Clark Millman Rees & Marinelle Morgan Bob & Judy Morr Stephanie A. Morse Craig & Carole Mueller Devonne Mullis Jack Munson Jeffrey Ramsey & Thomas Myers Ruthann & Leon Neddo Novella Nedeff Timothy S. Needler Elliott & Estelle Nelson Christopher Newgent Amy Newton Jennifer & Scott Niemeyer Rob & Deirdre Norton Timothy & Tessa Oakes Laurence & Harriet O’Connor Brian & Rebecca O’Connor Charles & Cindy Oehrle Jack Oliver Mr. & Mrs. Jerry O’Rear Katherine & Robert Orr Mike & Ann Perry Greg & Sue Peterson Daniel Phair Gaylon Melton & Leonard Pilarski Gayla Pitts Erick & Wendy Ponader Jean & James Preer Gregory & Audra Rasmussen Rick & Becky Reahard Christopher & Mary Elizabeth Reffett Fred & Ellen Rice Lucy & Robert Riegel Steve & Becky Ries Cindy & Gregg Rogers Karol Ruby Dr. Robert & Helen Rudesill Michael & Paula Ruppert Andrew & Jessica Sahm Craig & Anne Sander Jason & Sarah Schaffer Scott & Kelly Lavengood Schenkel Robert & Alice Schloss Janet & Alan Schmetzer John & Vicki Schmidt Jane Schultz Dan & Megan Scott Fred & Katherine Scott Joan Scott Molly & Albert Seidel Jim & Janice Seidensticker Laura & William Selm Steve & Joan Shank Walter & Ruth Shaw

Michelle Shelburne Nancy & Jason Sherman Tom & Julie Shortridge Bill Beechler & Holly Simpson Kari Singleton Julie Slaymaker Mary & George Slenski Scott & Cindy Smith Robert & Karen Smith Nelson & Katie Spade Tim & Sue Ann Specht Jay & Stacey Stallons Kent Steele Tim Stewart Eric & Deborah Stoll Tom & Gretchen Sullivan Linda Daley& Paula Susemichel Torrey Teats Kelly & Joe Todd Adam & Becky Van Rooy Susan Vinicor David & Nonie Vonnegut-Gabovitch John & Amanda Vujovich Carlton & Nancy Waite Wendy Igleheart Walker Bret & Mary Lou Waller Bill & Joan Warrick Robb & Patricia Warriner Kathy Weber Tim & Susan Weber Carol L. Weesner Jay Thomas & Barbara Weir Vince & Phyllis Welage Robert & Debra Whitman Jill Wiggington Alan & Jan Wilhere Jean Blackwell & Kim Williams Rebekah Williams Elaine & Christian Wolf Andrew & MaDonna Wolf Tom & Anne Wright Tony Adams & Dawn Zapinski Mr. David Ziegler Michael & Marcy Zunk Promoters $250 Ron & Margaret Blevins Bill & Lisa Boncosky Ann & Larry Henss John & Elaine Klein Scott & Amy Kosnoff Catherine LaCrosse Keith & Kathryn Lerch Christopher Slapak Derek Theriac & Jim Spain Karl Haas & Holly Stults Steve & Tina Sullivan Miss Gretchen Wolfram Benefactors $500—999 Robert & Mary Beth Braitman John & Cathy Bridge Mike & Cindy Graham Polly Spiegel & Peter Grossman Christopher & Ann Stack Jim & Leah Turner Drs Alicia Byers & Marvin Vollmer Samuel L. Westerman Foundation

Business Members

Institutional Members

Copper $50 Bella Vista Fine Landscaping Bokay Florist BrightStar Healthcare Connor Company HCO Architects Jim Wright Painting L. E. Kincaid Landigan & Company Realtors Power of Touch • Dave Graf Rutland Insurance Agency Studio 49 Fitness Sullivan Hardware & Garden Vickrey Remodeling

Supporters $50 Arts for Learning Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of Christ College Ave. Fairview Presbyterian Church Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Life Community Church Midtown Vineyard Community Church Northwood Christian Church Second Presbyterian Church

Bronze $100 Cardinal Manufacturing Company Easter Conservation Services Ltd. Elizabeth Marshall State Farm Insurance Hubbard & Cravens Coffee Co Illinois Food Emporium Indy Hostel Mark E. Catton, DDS P.C. Meridian Psychological Assoc.

RetroNu Sherman and Company Starlight Vacations Stilwell Design & Remodeling The Great Frame Up The Somerville Team Twenty Tap Silver $250 Alexander Mirkin Benefit Solutions Camden Stained Glass CBRE Chimney & Masonry Outfitters LLC Crackers Comedy Club Delicia & LaMulita Demerly Architects Houseworks Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Indianapolis Museum of Art Indianapolis Opera Jenn Baron Massage Therapist Kobets Properties, LLC L.D. Smith Plumbing MacGill Realty Team Ping’s Tree Service Scott Lacy Asset One Real Estate Verdigris Yats

Promoters $150 Meridian Street United Methodist Church Patrons $300 St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Trinity Episcopal Church

2015 Home Tour Sponsors Manor Citizens Energy Group Farmhouse Indianapolis Power & Light Company California Closets Bungalow Colby Equipment FC Tucker & Co., Inc. Reese/Ferguson Kitchen & Bath Cottage Architectural Antiques of Indianapolis Bly Bennett, Inc. Bokay Florist Classic Cleaners Delicia & LaMulita Foresight Financial Management Hoskins Interior Design Jenni Egger Designs Lowe’s Home Improvement Matt McLaughlin & Associates Real Estate Penn Shell Automotive Pete’s Service Center Ping’s Tree Service The Sinking Ship The Sommerville Team Real Estate Sullivan Hardware & Garden

Gold $500 Computer System Works, LLC Marigold Clothing Store The National Bank of Indianapolis Platinum $1000 Cafe Patachou Benefactor $2500 pegg kennedy • F.C. Tucker

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The Magazine of Meridian•Kessler

NON–PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN 46205 PERMIT NO. 3268

LIVE•WORK•SHOP•PLAY•LEARN•GROW Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association 526 East 52nd Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46205