Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) is responsible for preserving historic areas and structures in Marion County, Indiana, United States.^[1][2] It oversees the exteriors of historic landmarks, such as ensuring that walls, light fixtures, roofing, etc., are stable and appropriate. Citizens of Indianapolis can apply to have the commission review and fix historic structures by applying for a certificate of appropriateness. The commission was established in 1967. It has a collection in the Indiana University Indianapolis library of digitized images of historically significant areas.^[3] The IHPC currently oversees 13 historic districts and 5 conservation areas.^[1]

• Lockerbie Square is the oldest residential neighborhood in Indianapolis.^[4] It contains the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, which preserves the architecture and furnishings of the home of local poet James Whitcomb Riley. Lockerbie was the name of Riley's dog.^[5]
• Old Northside is a residential Indianapolis neighborhood that was named a historic district in 1978, after a steady decline in people and activity from World War I to then.^[6] The community was considered fashionable in the late 19th century, with many high-profile people living there.^[7] Efforts have been made to refurbish the houses in the neighborhood.^[8]
• Fletcher Place is a neighborhood named after Calvin Fletcher Sr, one of the first residents.^[9] The Fletcher Place Community Center was a key part of the neighborhood, supporting local families through assistance with education, finances, and food since the Great Depression.^[10]
• Chatham–Arch and Massachusetts Avenue collectively anchor downtown Indianapolis's northeast side. Chatham–Arch is a residential neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking tours of the area are available.^[11][12] Massachusetts Ave. is a commercial corridor geared towards artistry, home to multiple art galleries, jazz clubs, and vintage shops. It's seen as a key cultural spot for this presence of art as well as its architectural design.^[13][14][15]
• Fountain Square is a neighborhood near downtown, known for its art. Historically it was a business and entertainment district, with several movie theaters, and is now an active hub for vintage and antique stores, book shops, art shows and stores, and nightlife.^[16]
• Lockefield Gardens, located near the IU campus in downtown Indianapolis, is a former 1930s housing project, the first of Indianapolis and designed by William Earl Russ.^[17] It is an African American cultural area as well, due to it being an affordable area for Black families to move into and form communities.^[18]
• Herron–Morton Place is a neighborhood that was originally owned by the Indiana State Board of Agriculture and served as the site of the Indiana State Fair. During the Civil War, it was used as a training grounds for Union troops and then as POW camp for Confederate soldiers. The southern portion of the area was the home to an art museum and school.^[19]
• Wholesale District was a key distribution hub due to presence of the Indianapolis Union Station.^[20] It is named after the wholesale businesses formerly and currently located there.^[21]
• St. Joseph Historic Neighborhood has a significant number of architectural styles from the Civil War era and before.^[22] The neighborhood's buildings have 15 different styles of architecture, including Italianate, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne.^[23]
• Woodruff Place is one of the original suburbs of Indianapolis, with three esplanades that separate the west, middle, and east drives of the neighborhood. It was remained an independent townuntil 1962, when it was annexed by the city of Indianapolis.^[24][25]
• Irvington Historical District is one of the first planned suburbs in Indianapolis, and has a Romantic architecture style. It was the previous site of Butler University, and was known for its art, education, and vehicle access. It is now known for its large annual Halloween festival.^[26][27]
• Monument Circle, also known as the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument", is the center or "heart" of Circle City. Recently, a temporary park was added to provide more accessible public spaces to the city.^[28][29]
• Indiana World War Memorial Plaza

• Fayette Street
• Ransom Place
• New Augusta
• Cumberland
• Cottage Home

Historic Preservation Organizations