A new apartment complex is the first to be built in Southport in more than 40 years, Southport Mayor Jim Cooney said.
“It’s a really big addition to downtown Southport,” Cooney said during a grand opening Sept. 11.
For years, the roughly 3-acre property was filled with concrete and surrounded by a construction fence after a lumberyard moved locations in the 1990s.
Now, the mayor hopes the new complex will attract more residents to the south side.
The Jacob Apartments, comprising 93 studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, is named after one of the city’s pioneers, Jacob Smock. The complex has also worked to honor residents by offering a Hometown Heroes special, which provides a monthly 10% discount for 10 first responders, medical professionals and teachers who sign a lease within 48 hours of a tour.
Michael Helms, who grew up in Southport, previously lived in downtown Indianapolis so he could easily walk to businesses instead of driving. In August, Helms packed his bags and moved back so he could experience luxurious downtown amenities in a small-town environment.
“I went to Southport High School and there was no mid-rises or stuff on this side of town, and barely had high-rises downtown,” said Helms, who is one of the apartments’ first residents. “But I like it, it definitely modernizes the area, which is good.”
Helms praised the apartments’ amenities, which include energy-efficient appliances and an onsite dog park for his nearly 4-year-old pet, Gucci.
Cooney said some city residents were initially worried the development could increase traffic. During The Jacob’s grand opening, longtime Southport resident Ron Covert said the city might need to install a stoplight to help with the flow of traffic near the entrance of the apartments’ parking lot. Otherwise, Covert’s excited about the new property.
“I was kind of worried about maybe congestion, maybe parking,” Covert said. “But seeing the parking behind this building, it’s a huge amount, and they’ve got it so very nicely decorated. It’s almost like a park out there and it’s plenty of room for everybody, I do believe.”
JoAnna Elpers, the building’s regional property manager who lives in Perry Township, is excited to see growth in the area after small businesses have shuttered in recent years. Elpers said the apartment complex has attracted interest from longtime residents and people outside of Southport.
“We have had folks from all walks of life,” Elpers said. “Folks who are ready to not maintain a house, maintenance-free living, this has been a very good option for them with small pets. We have people who have just graduated from college starting their careers out with one of the major hospitals in the area, so pretty much all walks of life.”
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
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.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
