Fearing a proposed townhome project will dilute the charm of their historic southside neighborhood, homeowners are turning to the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission for help.
Over the past few months, Fletcher Place residents have mobilized against a proposal from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Buckingham Properties to develop a vacant 3-acre lot along 501 E. Louisiana Street. The project to build 58 rental townhomes would require rezoning the property.
Residents have voiced many concerns about the development’s impact on their quality of life and the historical preservation of the neighborhood. Those include increased traffic, the potential release of environmental toxins and the removal of more than 35 trees. While some community members are in favor of the project, during the June 9 meeting of the Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association 60 neighbors unanimously voted to submit a letter of opposition to the city’s historic preservation committee.
“This parcel is a unique property and (we believe) is the largest undeveloped parcel in an Indianapolis historic district,” the letter says. “As such, any design approval should reflect a high level of review and respect for the historic plan.”
The letter, signed by neighborhood association president Matt Impink, urges the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission to encourage the developers to create a site plan that aligns with the Fletcher Place Historic Area Preservation Plan.
“This plan proposes a uniform wall of houses that creates a landscape inconsistent with Lord St.,” the letter states. “This would detract from the district’s historic spatial character, removes significant mature landscape features, and disrupts the established scale and rhythm of the Fletcher Place Historic District.”
The letter thanks the developers for providing information sessions for neighbors, but it also asks for more communication about mitigation of potential environmental hazards since it’s adjacent to the former Indianapolis Rubber Factory.
“This property sits within an area with a long industrial history. Construction activity and excavation have the potential to disturb contaminated soil or materials that could impact nearby residents if not handled appropriately,” resident’s letter states.
In addition to the letter, at least 179 community members have taken an even stronger stance, signing a petition against the project in an effort to prioritize keeping the area a green space. Now, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance said they are working to address the community’s concerns.
“Updated plans have been submitted to the Indianapolis Historical Preservation Commission (IHPC) for review,” according to an email statement from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance staff. “The plans reflect a collaborative process. We integrated neighbor feedback where possible and aligned with project goals, and we’re grateful for the community’s engagement during this process.”
The new renderings provided by the city show multi-colored homes and an additional outdoor space across from the dog park. The neighborhood association is still reviewing the renderings, according to Impink.
Upholding the preservation plan
In 1980, neighbors created the Fletcher Place Historic Area Preservation Plan to shield the enclave tucked between downtown and Fountain Square from developments that could detract from the area’s aesthetic. Homeowners and commercial businesses are required to comply with specific building features, materials and heights outlined in the document.
“New construction must relate the elements of the new building to the characteristics of the historic district and its individual components,” the plan states.
Deb Tate, a Lord Street resident who lives across from the proposed townhomes site, is also concerned about the company’s request to rezone the property from a mix of industrial and high-intensity commercial facilities. She fears a reclassification to a high-density housing district could be a gateway to a much larger development in the future.
“They’re deviating from the plan with that request,” Tate said. “And the plan was written to protect us from exactly that.”
In order to move forward, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Buckingham Properties must receive approval from the nine-member Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission. The group oversees design and zoning decisions changes to properties in 12 historic neighborhood districts, five conservation districts and multiple protected properties, such as historic churches and schools.
Now, Fletcher Place residents say the preservation commission’s decision to uphold or deviate from Fletcher Place’s historical plan will be a test for other historic districts scattered near downtown.
Next steps
As a compromise, the residents’ letter asks the developers to make a few concessions in addition to changes that align with the historical neighborhood. They requested the companies restore a cobblestone road on Cincinnati Street to support the influx of traffic and “accommodate the proposed trail” outlined in the latest version of the Southeast Gateway Planning Study that was updated in March.
If the townhome project is approved by the preservation commission, developers would then move to the city’s zoning commission for final approval of zoning changes.
As of June 18, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to review the proposal 5:30 p.m. July 1 at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. But, neighborhood association president Matt Impink said he was told the discussion will be continued to Aug. 5.
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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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