Author archives

The creator and administrator for Urban Indy. I have a background in Geographic Information Systems, and a passion for promoting neighborhood redevelopment. Indianapolis deserves more voices encouraging it to move in a direction that encourages urban living, and this is the place for that discussion.

Greenwood’s Car-Centric Plans for Downtown

Indiana Landmarks has designated downtown Greenwood as one of its 10 most endangered historic places in the state.  Here’s a look at one of the buildings that are threatened, via Google Maps. As any visitor to downtown Greenwood can attest, this corner is fronted by 3 buildings and their respective sidewalks. The southwest corner is …

Why the Cultural Trail Rocks

The Cultural Trail is generally viewed as a successful project by downtown boosters, but it is not without some reasonable criticism.  This post is not intended to be a rebuttal to Connie Ziegler’s provocative post, but rather a reaffirmation of my own feelings towards the trail. Last Saturday I rode my bike down most of …

Lockerbie in Spring

Lockerbie is a small but charming neighborhood featuring brick sidewalks and a mix of historic houses. Due to its proximity to downtown, as well as its connection to the James Whitcomb Riley, Lockerbie was the first neighborhood in the urban center to be “saved” by preservationists following a long decline. Many of the houses are …

INDOT’s Public Mockery of Rail and Transit

INDOT has long been known for favoring road expansion above all other forms of transportation. And if their Long Range Plan is any proof, this will continue to be the case. It’s actually a joke that this was released to the public. To wit: High Speed Rail High speed rail, also known as commuter light-rail …

GM Plant: A Bit of History

Last week, I met with Eric Fulford of NINebark to discuss his research regarding the General Motors plant near downtown. He was gracious enough to share with me some current and historic photos of the facility. I was not aware that the factory was not just another metal-sided affair, but instead was originally intended to …

World War I Memorial

The Shrine Room of the World War I Memorial is indeed a sacred space. What I find amazing is that many people who’ve lived here for years haven’t even heard about this treasure, let alone visited. I’ve often said that if this building were in Washington DC, it would have a line out the door. …

Broad Ripple Needs to Increase its Density

The latest Census figures tell us that the southern heart of  Broad Ripple lost population last year: Here is a look at new buildings that have been constructed in this region. Lines in red indicate a change from 2001 to 2011: Not much going on here. A few new condos near the Monon Trail, but …

The Joy of Medium-length Trips by Bicycle

Anyone who knows me can tell you I’m not much of an exercise guru.  Don’t get me wrong, I love getting out on my bike, but I love it even more when there is a set destination and purpose for the trip.  With gas prices rising even faster than the spring temperatures, this is a …

Standard Oil Company Building

I’m always intrigued by buildings that have barely survived removal via eminent domain.  They give a fair indication of other structures that were not so lucky.  One of the most handsome in the city is the former Standard Oil Company Building, now home to Entheos Architects on Lord Street in Fletcher Place. The structure stands …

Indianapolis is this State’s Welcome Mat

The data is in, and it is concerning.  A quick look at our city’s recent census data release proves that most of the city’s urban core is still depopulating.  We can not afford to say as a state that certain segments of the population are no longer welcome.  In fact, we should be taking the opposite …