Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood

This page contains the complete text of the application which Meridian Park made on September 13, 1989 after a number of years of volunteer research by residents and aided by Suzanne T. Rollins, Preservation Historian of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

This registration is also available in PDF format.

Historic name: Meridian Park Historic District

Street and Number: 30th – 34th St., Pennsylvania to Washington Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN, Marion County, Code 097

Ownership of Property: Private and public-local
Category of Property: District
Number of resources within Property: 334 contributing and 26 non-contributing buildings
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the national register: 2

Department of Natural Resources

Historic functions:
Domestic: single dwelling
Domestic: multiple dwelling

Current functions:
Domestic: single dwelling
Domestic: multiple dwelling

Architectural Classification: Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival

Materials:
Foundation: concrete, brick
Walls: brick, wood
Roof: asphalt
Other: stucco

The Meridian Park Historic District, bounded by 30th Street, 34th Street, Pennsylvania Street, and Washington Boulevard maintains a great deal of architectural integrity and contains numerous outstanding examples of the Arts and Crafts style.

The boundaries of the district are easily defined and clearly distinguished from surrounding homes. Immediately to the west is Meridian Street (U.S. 31) which is the primary north/south artery of the city. Located along this street are large apartment buildings and various commercial structures. Just east of Meridian Park, along New Jersey Street, homes are much closer together and the street narrows. New Jersey street is dominated by American Four-Squares, many of which are boarded and in severe disrepair. Immediately north of the district the lot and house sizes increase dramatically along Washington Boulevard, while Pennsylvania Street becomes dominated by apartments. Just south of the district, houses are typically multi-family and have lost much integrity.

There are 360 buildings with no sites, structures or objects in the district. About two-thirds of the buildings are residences; the remainder are mainly garage or carriage house buildings. 12 garages are non-contributing, while 14 other buildings, mainly houses, are non-contributing. Contributing resources in the district are, for the most part, so rated because they retain original massing, porches, siding, fenestration, and were built during the district’s period of significance.

The district is traversed by two main north/south streets (Pennsylvania and Washington Boulevard) which provide direct access to and from downtown, Delaware Street which runs north and south between 32nd and 30th Streets, two east/west streets which run the width of the district: 32nd and 33rd Streets, and 31st Street which runs from Delaware to Washington Boulevard. Pennsylvania Street (Photo #1) is tree-lined with four lanes; lot sizes are ample, most with deep back yards. Washington Boulevard (Photo #2), the most heavily trafficked street in the district, is four lanes. Along this road foliage is not as dense and houses are more visible from the street than on Pennsylvania. Delaware (Photo #3) is rather narrow in comparison with little set-back or space between houses. Thirty-Third Street (Photos #4-5) is similar to Delaware Street in that it possesses little set-back from the curb. Thirty-Second Street (Photo #6) is wide enough to accommodate parking on both sides and is more abundant in foliage.

The district is composed of 5 principle plats and their resubdivisions. The earliest plat for the area is the University Place Addition of 1890. Elias C. Atkins, one of the original owners of the land, sought to have the area set aside for a Baptist University. When this did not happen, he donated the 40 acres as a $20,000 donation to establish a theological seminary at the University of Chicago. He later repurchased the 40 acres and thus platted it as University Place.

The original 1904 plats include: Osgood’s Meridian Park Addition including the south side of 32nd Street to the north side of 30th Street, and the east side of Meridian Street to the alley east of Pennsylvania Street; and Osgood’s Washington Boulevard Addition including the east side of Washington Boulevard to the west side of Central Avenue and the south side of 33rd Street to the north side of 32nd Street.

Subsequent plats which filled in the present day boundaries include: Osgood’s Second Meridian Park, 1906; and Osgood’s Second Central Avenue Addition.

Meridian Park is framed on the southwest and northwest corners by two small commercial blocks. Both constructed in a similar Tudor Revival style, their shops have contained numerous convenience oriented establishments throughout the years. Photo #7 shows the block at the corner of 30th and Pennsylvania Streets. The gabled building contains six storefronts, Each entrance consists of a rounded arch recessed door with stone quoins and keystone and a rounded arch transom. The windows of this block, of which several are boarded, consist of multi-pane fixed-sash storefronts with limestone sills, headers, and quoins. The sweeping gables of the two end units and the limestone trim provide the Tudor influence.

While there are a small number of late nineteenth century and some contemporary structures, the overwhelming majority of homes within the district date from the early twentieth century. The outstanding collection of Arts and Crafts architecture found within the district may be broken down into subtypes. Although the majority have typical Arts and Crafts details such as overhanging eaves, knee braces, exposed rafters, and low horizontal lines, there are also other influences such as: Tudor Revival, American Four-Square, Colonial Revival and more exotic influences.

Typical Tudor Revival-influenced houses include 3257 North Pennsylvania (Photo #8) and 3152 North Delaware Streets (Photo #9). A common pattern repeated frequently throughout the district is seen on 3257 North Pennsylvania which exhibits such Tudor details as stucco and half-timbering, a gabled roof, and casement windows which are found on the main facade of this house.

Constructed in 1910 for Albert S. Pierson, director and vice president of Lilly Hardware Company, 3257 North Pennsylvania typifies the Meridian Park housing stock. This two and one-half story house has two central fixed sash windows at attic level, and two four-sided bays with casement windows flanking a central casement window on the second floor. The main entrance is flanked by two casement windows. Each floor is constructed of a different building material: the attic level is stucco and half-timbers, the second floor is board and batten siding, and the first floor is brick. Knee braces support the overhanging roof with visible rafters.

3152 North Delaware is again a similar example of the Arts and Crafts Tudor Revival-influenced design. Constructed c. 1913 this two and one-half story gable front house is composed of stucco and half-timbering on the upper floors, and brick on the first floor. The attic level has three double-hung sash six-over-one windows. The attic level, which projects slightly over the second floor, rests upon decorative wood brackets. The second floor has two three-part double-hung sash windows with transoms. The overhand of the second floor is supported b knee braces. Knee braces also support the overhang of the medium-pitched gable roof. The first floor, constructed of a brick veneer has a pair of French doors and a three-part casement window. The front porch is covered by a shed roof with a central cross gable. The roof is supported by heavy square wooden posts. A side porch shelters the entrance.

Other characteristic Tudor Revival houses include: 3127 North Pennsylvania (Photo #10), and 3255 (Photo #11) and 3322 Washington Boulevard (Photo #12). See section 8 for a further description of these properties.

The American Four-Square at 3173 North Delaware typifies this style of architecture seen within the district. Constructed in 1911 for E. Clifford and Flora Barrett, the house exhibits the symmetry characteristic of the style. Mr. Barrett was a founder and the secretary of the Evans Milling Company. A standard Four-Square element, the central hipped dormer window is see on this house with four fixed-sash windows. The second floor has two three-part bay windows composed of sixteen-over-one double-hung sash windows. The first floor has a beveled glass casement window and entrance south of the center with two sidelights. The hipped porch roof is supported by four brick piers.

Several Colonial Revival homes are found within the district. 3330 Washington Boulevard (Photo #14), constructed c.1924 is unique in that it is the only gable front Colonial style house in the district whose main entrance faces away from the street. The Colonial Revival elements of the house include the cornice returns, dentils, entablatured porch, and balustrade. Located on the gable end is an exterior chimney, cornice returns, and dentils. At the attic level are two on-quarter attic lights. On the second floor are two double-hung sash windows. The screened porch is divided by a series of wood columns. The southern façade has six double-hung sash windows on the second floor. The centrally located entrance is sheltered by an entablatured porch with dentils and a balustrade. Two sets of French doors flank the main entrance.

3105 North Pennsylvania (Photo #15), likewise exhibits the Colonial Revival style with elements of Georgian influence. This is another example of a home constructed by local builder Harry R. Fitton. He built this house c. 1913 and occupied it until c. 1917. This typical twentieth century style, popular in Indianapolis from c. 1890 to c. 1940, is clearly seen in the design of 3105 North Pennsylvania. The two and one-half story brick and clapboard house has three pedimented dormers with casement windows. Modillions delineate the cornice line. Located at each corner of the second floor are pilasters. The fenestration pattern of the second floor is composed of two paired six-over-six double-hung sash windows, one on either side of two smaller paired double-hung sash windows. The main entryway is centrally located with half sidelights. The pedimented portico has modillions and is supported by four Tuscan columns. A wooden balustrade encloses the porch.

Flanking the porch are two nine-over-nine double-hung sash windows on each side.

The shingled Colonial Revival house at 3337 North Pennsylvania (Photo #16) is relatively simple in design, yet a definite example of the style. Title and City Directory research indicate this is another of the few nineteenth century homes of the district. The house was constructed c. 1897 for Mr. Charles E. Andrews and his wife, Fannie. Throughout the years, Mr. Andrews’ occupations included travel agent, bookkeeper, clerk, and broker.

The main façade of 3337 North Pennsylvania has two six-over-one double-hung sash windows on the second floor on each side of two smaller central double-hung sash windows. The first floor has a centrally located door with a gabled portico. A fanlight tops the door which also has sidelights. The portico roof is supported by two Tuscan columns. On each side of the door are two six-over-one double-hung sash windows. A side porch with Tuscan columns and lattice work further complements the main façade.

The adjacent carriage house (Photo #17) is the foremost of such structures in the district. The two story shingled building has five bays. On the second floor are two six-over-six double-hung sash windows framed by quoins and a flower box at each end with three six-over-one double-hung sash windows forming the center bays. The double door entrance, located on the corner, has a round arch fanlight and portico supported by two Tuscan columns. The door is also framed in quoins. The first floor has four six-over-one double-hung sash windows. Both the house and carriage house were moved in 1987 from 3224 North Pennsylvania to avoid demolition as a result of the expansion of a private school which faces North Meridian Street.

While the majority of the houses within Meridian Park fit into the above categories, there are a few more exotic period revival designs. Two specific examples include 3159 North Pennsylvania (photo #18) and 3363 Washington Boulevard (Photo #19).

Local architect Clarence Martindale designed the Mission Revival house at 3159 North Pennsylvania in 1909 for Dr. Louis and Adele Burckhardt. Dr. Burckhardt, an obstetrician, occupied the house until 1945. Typical of the Mission Revival style are the mission parapet, quatrefoil window, and tile roof. The house formerly had a pergola across the front façade which has since been removed. The fenestration of the front façade consists of a quatrefoil window at the attic level, one double-hung sash window on either side of two small casement windows on the second floor, and three double-hung sash windows on the first floor. A side entrance is located on the north below a tiled shed roof supported by knee braces. Above the door is a four-part double-hung sash window with fixed-sash transoms. The garage also has the same mission style parapet.

3363 Washington Boulevard is a mixture of Neo-Classical and Flemish influences. Circa 1907 William Walker, vice president of the McCoy-Howe Company (manufacturing chemists), constructed the house for himself and his wife Lahlea. The curved parapeted gables reflect a Flemish influence while the centrally located door is a good example of the Neo-Classical style. The tow and one-half story brick house has a shed dormer with four two and one-half story brick house has a shed dormer with four casement windows. The three bays of the second floor consist of one eight-over eight double hung sash window with limestone sill and arched headers on each side of a paired double-hung sash window with the same sill and header. On each side of the doorway is a double-hung sash window with eight-over-eight lights, and arched header, and limestone sill. The doorway is recessed behind a pedimented portico with modillions and Doric columns. The door itself is multi-paned and has sidelights.

Though there are few intrusions within the district, there are a few examples of new construction. These include 3051 North Pennsylvania (Photo #20) and 3116 North Delaware (Photo #21). The brick one story buildings at 3051 North Pennsylvania consist of five units on each side with a small courtyard dividing the buildings. 3116 North Delaware is a small gable front aluminum sided house which attempts to reflect a Tudor influence.

The Meridian Park Historic District is clearly distinguished by its excellent collection of Arts and Crafts architecture. The houses of the district exhibit various early twentieth century design influences and fashionable architect-designed styles.

Areas of significance: architecture, community planning

Period of significance: 1892-1933

Architect/Builder:
Rubush, Preston
Hunger, Edgar
Bohn, Arthur
George, Lawrence
Fitton, Harry
Hunter, Frank
Martindale, Clarence

The Meridian Park Historic District is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under criterion C. Located in Indianapolis within the boundaries of 34th and 30th Streets on the North and South, and Washington Boulevard and Pennsylvania on the east and West is an outstanding collection of early twentieth century Arts and Crafts style houses. This easily distinguished district represents a step in the northward expansion of the city’s housing stock. Within the boundaries of Meridian Park lived a mixture of prominent citizens and professional people who occupied substantial architect-designed homes.

Though there is no complete architectural survey for Center Township in which Meridian Park is located, a windshield survey of adjacent neighborhoods and a comparison to those areas previously surveyed , reveals Meridian Park to contain an outstanding representation of Arts and Crafts architecture. In no other area examined is there found such a concentration of Arts and Crafts style buildings which maintain this high degree of integrity.

When tracing the residential development of Indianapolis, one sees the role Meridian Park played in the pattern. Historically, the most prestigious homes of the city have been located along, and in close proximity to, the Meridian Street corridor. What remain as examples today are the Old Northside and Herron-Morton Historic Districts. Located within these neighborhoods are substantial homes constructed in the late nineteenth century.

The next area of note which reflects the northward migration of the city’s upwardly mobile population is Meridian Park, where again large homes constructed with the finest materials and craftsmanship abound. It is not uncommon to trace a family from the downtown area to Meridian Park and finally to the city’s most prestigious early twentieth century neighborhood, the North Meridian Street Historic District. Within this National Register District is a collection of the city’s most renowned early twentieth century period revival homes.

Several local architects contributed designs to the Meridian Park District. Among them: Rubush & Hunter, Lawrence George, Harry Fitton, Frank B. Hunter, and Arthur Bohn. The firm of Rubush & Hunter who designed 3312 Washington Boulevard (Photo #22), created several notable structures in Indianapolis. Founded in 1904 by Preston Rubush and Edgar Hunger, the firm is credited with the designs of the Circle Theater (National Register 6-16-80), the Indiana State Museum (National Register 6-16-80), the Columbia Club (National Register 1-27-83), and a residence at 4310 North Meridian Street located within that street’s historic district (National Register 9-22-86).

Lawrence George and Harry Fitton are responsible for several Meridian Park homes. Though later in their careers both men worked independently of each other, they first practiced together with the firm of George MacLucas & Fitton. Harry Fitton founded the Builder’s Construction Company whose name appears on the building permits of several Meridian Park homes. Among those homes attributed to Lawrence George are: 3074, 3127 (Photo #10), and 3133 North Pennsylvania, 3070 North Delaware (Photo #23), and 3255 Washington Boulevard (Photo #11). Builders’ Realty is listed on the building permits for 3110, 3120, 3130, 3173 North Delaware (Photo #13), and 3316 Washington Boulevard.

Frank B. Hunter, who designed the duplex at 37-39 East 32nd Street, designed more than 600 structures before his retirement in 1938.1 In 1922, Hunter became the official architect for the City of Indianapolis. In addition to designing such buildings as the Fountain Square Theater (National Register 6-30-83), and the Broad Ripple Masonic Lodge, Hunter also provided the plans for six houses in the North Meridian Street Historic District, including the former Governor’s Residence at 4343 North Meridian (National Register 9-22-86).

Arthur Bohn, a partner with the firm of Vonnegut, Bohn & Mueller, designed 215 East 32nd Street (Photo #25). Mr. Bohn resided in the house from its construction in 1911 until 1947. In addition to being recognized as a major influence in the vocational school system in Indianapolis, Arthur Bohn ins also known for his notable architectural designs seen throughout the city. Examples include: Blocks and Ayres Department Stores, the Herron Art Institute, and the Indiana State Plaza in Indianapolis of which the State Library was the first unit to be built.

The largest multi-unit structure within the district is the Esplanade Apartments (Photo #26). Located just north of 30th Street in the middle of Pennsylvania (just south of where the street’s former esplanade ran) is an apartment building which embodies the design and spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Esplanade was developed and constructed in 1913 by real estate agent Charles Plummer and contractor Charles Hollingsworth. The multi-level design of the building allowed its tenants increased privacy and isolation from surrounding units. Through its early years, occupants could be characterized as upper management professionals. Such men as Harry C. Block, secretary of the William H. Block Department Store, architect William E. Russ, and George H. Moore, president of the Peerless Realty company made the Esplanade their home. In 1912 the Esplanade Annex (3034 North Pennsylvania – Photo #27) was constructed by the same men to accommodate more housing.

One of the most unique features of the Meridian Park District is the small row of eight houses known as Washington Place (Photo #28) located in the 3200 block of the district between Washington Boulevard and Delaware Street. Platted in 1911, this area is accessible only through the alley located behind each row of houses. The houses face a landscaped courtyard lined with sidewalks. The court derives its community planning significance from the fact that it appears to be one of the few such designs in Indianapolis, and the most architecturally distinguished. Though this type of plan is commonly seen in the suburban areas of such cities Louisville, Kentucky; the Marion County, Indiana townships surveyed thus far reveal Washington Place, or Washington Court, as it is commonly known, to be one of approximately three residential courtyards in Indianapolis.

Little is known about the origin of the residential court design in relation to community planning. However, several concepts may be hypothesized based on the visual and practical elements of the court itself. First, the court’s design allows for a larger number of houses to be placed on a narrow but deep lot.

Second, the setback of the homes allows for more privacy and isolation. The concept of privacy fits nicely into the tenets of the Arts and Crafts philosophy which advocated a retreat from the city to quiet residential settings.

Of the eleven houses located within the Washington Court plat (3 houses face Washington Boulevard and eight face the courtyard), the Jose-Balz Company constructed nine of these residences between the years 1911 and 1913. This local company, founded in 1906 by Oscar A. Jose and his brother-in-law Peter Balz, engaged itself in the real estate and construction business.2 In addition to the Meridian Park area, the Jose-Balz Company also constructed homes in Indianapolis along Fall Creek Boulevard between 30th and 32nd Streets, an area at 36th and Central Avenue (Central Court), and the 5500 blocks of Delaware and Pennsylvania, to name a few.

Like the other homes in the district, the Washington Court residences reflect the Arts and Crafts style of architecture. Those constructed by the Jose-Balz Company include: 3240-42 Washington Boulevard; and 216, 210, 202, 215, 209, 205, and 201 Washington Court. These particular homes represent a mixture of the Arts and Crafts and American-Four Square styles. For instance, the homes at 209 (Photo #29) and 210 Washington Court (Photo #30) possess such characteristic Arts and Crafts details such as wide, overhanging eaves supported by knee braces, exposed rafters, and sleeping porches. Oscar Jose occupied 209 Washington Court from 1913 to 1915.

As previously mentioned, several influential people resided within the Meridian Park Historic District. Among the professions represented include: automobile industrialists, politicians, doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, and a national recognized dress designer.

A number of prominent businessmen occupied Meridian Park homes during the early twentieth century. Representing the automobile industry were Henry F. Campbell (3261 N. Pennsylvania), co-organizer of the Stutz Motor Car Company and president of the Ideal Motor Car Company; and Will H. Brown (3127 N. Pennsylvania), superintendent of materials with the Marmon Company and vice president of materials with the Marmon Company and vice president of the Overland Automobile Company. Various other businessmen residing within the district included John J. Reilly, co-founder of the Fieber & Reilly real estate company which is still in operation; Paul H. Buchanan (3116 North Pennsylvania), chairman of the board of Flanner & Buchanan Mortuaries which is still in operation; and Ernest Clifford Barrett (3173 North Delaware), secretary and co-founder of the Evans Milling Company, one of the state’s older milling operations.

Representing the fields of politics and law were the following: Dick Miller (3130 N. Delaware), 1917 Mayoral candidate; Charles A Greathouse (3160 N. Pennsylvania), chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1917 and State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1910; Linton A. Cox (3202 N. Pennsylvania), Marion County State Senator from 1906-10 and an attorney with the firm of Pickens, Cox, Conder & Bain; and Edward H. Knight (3310 N. Pennsylvania), Indianapolis City Attorney from 1927-30, and Deputy Marion County Prosecutor from 1908-09.

George Meier 3128 North Pennsylvania-(Photo #31), a nationally-known fashion designer and buyer, worked for Indianapolis’ premier department store, L.S. Ayres, from 1901 until his death in 1932. His wedding gowns and trousseau earned him wide respect throughout the Midwest3 .His wife, Nellie, earned a name for herself as a psychic for numerous celebrities and wealthy clients. The Meier’s friends and clients provided a cosmopolitan atmosphere for their Meridian Park neighbors. The house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places September 23, 1982.

3128 North Pennsylvania, the house which George and Nellie Meier called “Tuckaway,” was originally constructed in 1907 by Frank Bakemier for Thomas Perry.4 The one and one-half story gable front Arts and Crafts style Bungalow is constructed of red-stained cedar clapboard. Like other similar style homes in the district, Tuckaway has exposed rafters, and overhanging eaves. The eaves of the bungalow are supported by scrolled brackets. The porch is partially covered by a shed roof. Two groups of four-part casement windows frame the main entrance. The west façade reveals the alterations made to the house in 1912 when purchased by the Meiers. At this time, the roof was raised to create a second story. Located on the second floor are additional bedrooms and a sleeping porch which runs the entire width of the house.5 Furthermore, the deep setback and heavily wooded lot emphasize the attempted retreat from the city—an underlying theme of the Arts and Crafts movement.

While the Meridian Park Historic District provided homes for the city’s prominent, it is the abundance of well-maintained Arts and Crafts architecture which distinguishes the area from other Indianapolis historic districts. The architecture of the district clearly reflects the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement expounded by such American craftsmen such as Gustav Stickley, Elbert Hubbard, and Greene & Greene. Such qualities as natural materials, simplicity in design, and practicality reflect themselves in the designs of these houses. The Arts and Crafts movement which thrived during the early years of the twentieth century extended beyond mere architecture to involve a homeowner’s lifestyle. Therefore, unlike the large Queen Anne homes of the Old Northside Historic District, Meridian Park houses reflect an elimination of accumulated wealth and possessions.

Excellent representatives of the architecture may be found on each street within Meridian Park; however, the streetscape of Pennsylvania combined with the scale of its houses makes this the most visually pleasing venue in the district. The wide, tree-lined street visually culminates just north of 30th Street where the street splits and goes around each side of the Esplanade Apartments. At one time, a grass esplanade ran up the street. Today such houses as 3127 (Photo #10), 3148 (Photo #32), and 3177 (Photo #33) depict the characteristic architecture of the street and portray the distinguished, upper middle class image of the home owners.

3127 North Pennsylvania (Photo #10), constructed by Lawrence George, c. 1909, is a two and one-half story gable front Arts and Crafts style house with Tudor Revival influences. Typical of the style are the exposed rafters, overhanging roof supported by knee braces, and the low porch roof supported by thick brick piers. The upper story and a half has stucco and half-timbering, reflective of the Tudor Revival style. Two four-sided bay windows with casement windows and the transoms highlight the second story. The most decorative element of the house is a stained glass oriel window on the north façade. From 1912 to 1916 Will H. Brown, vice president of the Overland Automobile Company, president of the Maze Motor Truck Company, and supervisor of materials at the Marmon Company, occupied the house.

3148 North Pennsylvania (Photo #32) is undoubtedly one of the district’s architectural showplaces. Though not representative of the Arts and Crafts style, the house nonetheless adds significantly to the streetscape due to the large scale of the home and its extensive southern sidelot.

Louis Huesmann build the French Eclectic two and one-half story brick house in 1908. As president of the Central Supply Company, Mr. Huesmann spared no expense in the construction of the house which is believed to be one of the first residential structures in Indianapolis with indoor plumbing.6 Rainwater gathered in cisterns was originally pumped to an attic storage area and distributed throughout the house.

Shaw’s most notable designs include the Publishing House of Ginn & Co., and Donnelley’s Printing House, both in Chicago. He also designed many distinguished homes along the north shore of Lake Michigan. In Indianapolis, Howard Van Doren Shaw is also responsible for the Fairbanks residence at 2930 North Meridian Street.

Characteristic elements of the French Eclectic style include the steeply pitched hipped roof, dormer windows, and the tall exterior chimney. Popular during the 1920’s and 30’s, this style is often seen with half-timbering and stucco, although such materials are absent from this example.

Following her husband’s death in 1926, Mrs. Huesmann continued to occupy the house until c. 1930 when her son, Louis Huesmann, Jr. took possession. The second Mr. Huesmann remained there until 1942. Today the structure is the home and office of a commercial photographer. It maintains a great deal of the interior as well as exterior integrity.

Anthony Kleinschmidt, president of the Builder’s Supply Company, occupied 3177 North Pennsylvania (Photo #33) from the time of its construction c. 1909 until 1915. Charles P. Emerson, who next resided in the house, served as the dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine. His wife, Effie, remained in the house until 1939. Unlike the houses previously described, this two story Arts and Crafts building has a hipped roof. The overhang of the roof reveals rafters and is supported by knee braces. The house is constructed of board and batten siding on the second floor, and stucco on the first. To the south of the porch is a two story, three-sided bay window with casement windows. To the north of the door is a three-part diamond-and oriel window supported by brackets with two double-hung sash windows. Above the door is a paired double-hung sash window with leaded glass.

Though Pennsylvania Street may be the most picturesque thoroughfare of the district, the remaining architecture of the district is no less distinguished. Along Washington Boulevard, Delaware Street, and each cross street are numerous examples of the variety of ways in which Arts and Crafts elements could be combined to form a wide array of effects. For example, 3255 (Photo #11), 3322 (Photo #12), and 3312 (Photo #22) Washington Boulevard each contain specific Arts and Crafts characteristics; however, each combines to create its own individual look.

3255 Washington Boulevard (Photo #11) provides a typical example of the Arts and Crafts style with Tudor Revival influences. Lawrence George built the two and one-half story home circa 1911 for Roy E. Adams of the J.D. Adams Company, which dealt with road machinery equipment. The second floor of the main façade contains a band of casement windows framed by stucco and half-timbering. Other Arts and Crafts elements which distinguish the house are the low porch roof supported by heavy knee braces and brick piers, and the knee braces which support the overhang of the roof.

3322 Washington Boulevard (Photo #12) also reflects the Tudor Revival styling, but presents a distinctively different appearance from the house at 3255. Constructed c. 1910, 3322 Washington Boulevard possesses Medieval qualities, also a common theme of the Arts and Crafts movement. The tiled gabled roof with jerkins and corbelled chimney with clay pots, combined with the heavy bargeboard and kingpost, and supporting knee braces reflect an architectural attempt to return to a pre-industrial revolution age when emphasis was placed on craftsmanship and manual arts. Like the other Tudor-influenced homes in the district, 3322 also has a stucco and half-timbering effect. A combination of fenestration (double-hung, casement) and the use of French doors provides variety to the main façade.

The architectural firm of Rubush and Hunter designed the Mission Revival (Photo #22) in 1907. As previously mentioned the architects are responsible for the creation of several prominent structures throughout Indianapolis. Mr. and Mrs. William S. Craig first occupied the house in 1908. Though initially a California style which originated in the latter years of the nineteenth century, Mission-influenced architecture quickly spread to the Midwest as evidenced by the 1907 date of this Meridian Park home.

The primary design elements of the 3312 Washington Boulevard which depict the Mission Revival style are the Mission-shaped parapet, the overhanging eaves, stucco finish, and thick porch columns. A newspaper article written shortly after construction of the house stated the inside was furnished in mission oak, typical of the Arts and Crafts period. From 1979 to 1983 this house was connected to the house immediately south and used as a nursing home. In 1985, the connecting passage was removed; the current owners are in the process of rehabilitating both the inside and outside of the structure.

Though somewhat more narrow than Pennsylvania Street and Washington Boulevard, the architecture on Delaware Street is no less representative of the Arts and Crafts movement. Delaware Street, like the rest of the district, contains several examples of Arts and Crafts/Tudor Revival architecture.

3152 North Delaware (Photo #9) reflects the elements seen in previous examples: stucco and half-timbering, overhanging eaves with visible rafters, knee braces, and heavy porch piers. This particular house was built c. 1913 for Elliott R. Hooten. He and his wife, Amelia, lived there until 1945.

Though on a somewhat smaller scale than the majority of houses within the district, 3102 North Delaware Street (Photo #34), is a significant representation of the Arts and Crafts Bungalow. Of particular note are the field stone porch and chimney. The use of natural materials such as stone is a common technique of the Arts and Crafts style. Also highlighting the main façade is a pergola, as well as the half-timbering and stucco effect. The house was built c. 1912.

Another Arts and Crafts Bungalow though substantially larger than 3102, is 3064 North Delaware Street (Photo #35). Though in a state of disrepair, as evidenced by the rotting porch steps, the house still maintains much of its exterior integrity with the exception of the main door. The two and one-half story house contains numerous Arts and Crafts Bungalow elements such as the steeply pitched gable roof which extends over the porch, the gabled dormer with overhanging eaves supported by knee braces, and the banded casement windows. The house was built in 1911 for Frederick W. Grosclaude, manager of the American Warming and Ventilation Company.

Like several other houses within the district, Lawrence George also constructed 3070 North Delaware Street (Photo #23). Although built c. 1912, the City Directory does not list a resident until 1915 when Jerome Lyon Occupied the home. Lyon, a treasurer of L. Strauss & Company remained in the house until 1922. This home represents the typical scale of the structures along Delaware Street, and also displays characteristic Arts and Crafts details.

Though dominated by early twentieth century houses, there are a small number of late nineteenth century structures located within Meridian Park. Though of no particular architectural merit, the significance of these homes comes from their age and styles which vary from the majority of district homes. Examples of these earlier structures include 122 (Photo #36) and 124 East 32nd Street (Photo #37), and 3245 North Pennsylvania (Photo #38).

Although strikingly different in appearance today, the houses at 122 and 124 East 32nd Street (Photos #36-37) were nearly mirror images when built.7 In 1892 Charles F. Seiner constructed his home at 122 East 32nd Street, making it the first residence in the Atkins and Perkins Subdivision. Five years later Mr. Seiner began work on 124 East 32n Street as a wedding present for his daughter, Florence, and his son-in-law, Wilbur Cumberworth. Due to the death of Florence, 124 East 32nd was never occupied. The home changed owners twice before being purchased in 1915 by Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hood who commissioned the extensive renovations. At this time the owner remodeled the exterior to achieve its current Neo-Classical styling which includes cornice returns, columns, and a fanlight above the entrance. The house at 124 East 32nd Street retains much of its original carpenter-built cottage styling.

The simple cross-gable styling of 3245 North Pennsylvania reveals that it is also one of the older homes in the district. A building permit was issued in 1895 for this two and one-half story frame structure. Frederick Eppert, secretary and treasurer of the Eppert Shoe Company, and later president of the Capital City Construction Company, occupied the house from c. 1897 until 1918. While it appears that the openings on the first floor have been altered, the upper stories possess their original trim and corner boards.

Though Meridian Park felt a decline, particularly during the late 1960s and into the 1970s, the area is today undergoing revitalization. With the rehabilitation of the Esplanade Apartments and the efforts of numerous homeowners to improve their own properties, the district is quickly returning to its original splendor. Meridian Park is once again a showplace of Arts and Crafts style homes.

Endnotes

1 Paul Donald Brown, ed., Indianapolis Men of Affairs, (Indianapolis: The American Biographical Society, 1938), p. 307.

2 Susan M. Barrett. “Washington Place.” (Research paper for Indianapolis Architecture, Butler University, 8 December 1987), p. 2.

3 Kathryn Young, National Register of Historic Places nomination for the George Phillip Meier’ House, (Indianapolis, 9 September 1982).

4 Ibid.

5 Ibid.

6 Personal interview with Mrs. Georgia McGuire. 16 March 1988.

7 Dan W. Guio, Letter to J. Mack Huston. 9 July 1975.

Barrett, Susan M. “Washington Place.” Research Paper. Butler University, 8 December 1987.

Brown, Paul Donald, ed. Indianapolis Men of Affairs. Indianapolis: The American Biographical Society, 1938.

Guio, Dan W. Letter to J. Mack Juston. 9 July 1975.

Indianapolis City Directory. Indianapolis: R.L. Polk & Company, 1870-1988.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. New York: Sanborn Map and Publishing Co., 1887, 1898, 1915.

Slade, Susan and Jacqueline Munson. “The Esplanade Apartments.” National Register of Historic Places nomination. Indianapolis. 16 June 1983.

Young, Kathryn. “George Phillip Meier House.” National Register of Historic Places nomination. Indianapolis. 9 September 1982.

Acreage of property: approximately 42 acres.
UTMM References:
A: 16-572380-4407620
B: 16-572590-4407630
C: 16-572590-4406810
D: 16-572290-4406810