A new townhome proposal is closer to being approved in one of Indianapolis’ oldest neighborhoods.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance submitted plans to the city’s historic preservation commission earlier this summer to have Buckingham Companies build a 58-unit townhome project along East Louisiana Street and South College Avenue. City staff have recommended the project for approval.
The project has gained scrutiny from nearby southsiders who would rather see the vacant lot preserved as a green space instead of enduring potential increases in noise and traffic.
To address some of their concerns, Indiana Farm Bureau announced multiple updates to the project Aug. 5 during an Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission meeting. The developers have agreed to reduce the number of townhome units from 58 to 52. The proposed dog park, which was supposed to be at the east end of the site, will be moved to East Louisiana Street and a pocket park will be added on Lord Street.
Updated renderings of proposed townhomes that would be located on Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s property at 501 E. Louisiana St. and constructed by Buckingham Companies.
The company also agreed to drop its request for higher density zoning. The change aims to ease residents’ concerns that the property could be later redeveloped into a larger housing complex while also aligning with the neighborhood’s preservation plan that was created in 1980.
Some neighbors still have concerns, including whether short-term rentals will be allowed and tree preservation. Matt Impink, president of the Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association, said he wants a better understanding of the environmental impact.
“We have no reason to believe that there’s anything hazardous based on what they’ve told us, but we’d like to see that in writing,” Impink said.
The historic preservation commission was scheduled to vote on the proposal in August, but the decision was pushed back to October. Democratic City-County Councilor Kristin Jones, who represents the southside neighborhood, said she supported postponement.
“I appreciate the petitioner and Farm Bureau really engaging with them and taking those steps, but there’s still so much more work to be done,” Jones said to commissioners during the Aug. 5 preservation commission meeting.
What’s next
The historic preservation commission is expected to vote on the proposal Oct. 7 at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. If approved, the project would be up for discussion by the Metropolitan Development Commission.
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Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
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