INDIANAPOLIS — The Metropolitan Development Commission recently approved, and the City has officially recognized, Irvington and Community Heights for their contributions to the east side and Indianapolis. The two neighborhoods have been named Cultural Districts, joining the ranks of Broad Ripple, Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and others throughout the city.
The Irvington Community Council and the Irvington Development Organization worked together, along with Elysia Smith of Irvington Vinyl & Books, to apply for the designation. They emphasized the artistic and cultural uniqueness of the neighborhood in the application. Irvington, established in 1870, was the first home of Butler University, and home to the Irvington Group of artists that included William Forsyth, and Clifton Wheeler. Today, it is home to a diverse collective of artists and creatives, plus thriving shops and restaurants. The annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, established in 1947, draws thousands of costumed families (and pets). This year’s festival will be held the week of Oct. 18-25, with the Street Festival on Oct. 25. The $5,000 grant will help to further bring the various Irvington organizations together toward collective goals and a unified mission for the future of the neighborhood. Irvington is bounded by 10th St. to Brookville Rd. (north/south) and Emerson and Kitley (west/east).
The Community Heights Neighborhood Organization stood out for their tireless advocacy for the neighborhood, and their strong motivation for making the neighborhood safe for everyone. Their tactical urbanism project on 10th St., plus the painting in front of School 88 have helped to slow traffic and increased awareness of the school safety zones. CHNO will receive $23,500 to support the installation of light pole banners with Community Heights branding. Community Heights is between 10th and 21st streets (south/north), and Emerson and Arlington (west/east). The neighborhood takes its name from Community Hospital East, founded in 1956, that came about as a result of door-to-door fundraising for citizens who saw the need for a hospital on the east side.
The primary purpose of Indianapolis’s Cultural Districts is to foster economic development, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life by celebrating and supporting the city’s unique cultural identity and assets. These designated mixed-use areas serve as hubs for creative businesses and cultural experiences, attracting visitors and residents through their authentic art, historic architecture, diverse dining, and vibrant atmosphere, which in turn creates jobs and stimulates local commerce.
The first Cultural Districts were established in 1999 as a way for the city to preserve their cultural assets and encourage economic development. The downtown Cultural Trail was designed to connect the downtown districts.
