Irvington Neighborhood

Irvington was the first planned suburb of Indianapolis.

Irvington Neighborhood

Indianapolis, Indiana 46219, United States

Created By: Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis

Tour Information

WELCOME TO IRVINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD

This tour is a part of the Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis Tour Series. It is endorsed by the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission as an 'Official Indy Bicentennial Community Project.'

This tour should take approximately 90 minutes to walk.

Parking is most available at the Bona Thompson Center - 5350 University Avenue.

Neighborhood History

Irvington was founded as the first planned suburb of Indianapolis. The plan is similar to the Victorian romantic landscape plan of the Cincinnati, Ohio suburb of Glendale. Irvington’s diverse architectural styles developed over a 60-year period from the 1870s to the 1930s. Irvington was once home to Butler University from 1875-1928; the origins of modern Butler traditions such as the Bulldog Mascot and basketball began at the Irvington campus. Irvington was the home of noted personalities - artists of the Irvington Group as well as authors, civic and political leaders.

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Our Thanks

This program has been made possible through a Historic Preservation Education Grant from Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Funding provided in part by Indiana Landmarks.

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Tour Map

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What You'll See on the Tour

Year Built: 1903 Architecture Style: Neoclassical Key Features: Doric Columns Highly Decorated Pediment over Elaborate Door Surround Symmetrical Aesthetic Fully Arched Windows The Bona Thompson Center is home to the Irvington Historical So... Read more
Year Built: 1873 Architecture Style: Second Empire Key Features:  Mansard Roof Large Tower and Narrow Windows Decorative Brackets  Built in 1873, on a beautifully wooded lot, the Benton House is a charming example of the Second Empire sty... Read more
Year Built: Circa 1898 Architecture Style: American Four Square with Shinge Influences Key Features:  Bay Windows Decorative Trim Shingles The Grubb-McFarland-Cross House was built around 1898. It combines influences of the Shingle Style (... Read more
Year Built: 1889 Architecture Style: Colonial Revival Key Features:  Ionic Portico Symmetrical Facade Large Central Dormer I’m going to ask you to take a good look at this house and remember it. Despite its stately design, it’s part of... Read more
Year Built: 1879 Architecture Style: Italianate  Key Features:  Large Wrap Porch with Gazebo Tall Narrow Windows with Keystones Low Pitch Roof This Italianate house was built in 1879 for Reverend Robert Silas Blount. His father, Rev. Braz... Read more
Year Built: 1908 Architecture Style: Queen Anne Key Features:  Double Front Porch Clapboard Siding Double Hung Windows Harry and Marion Barnard moved into this house about 1908. Mr. Barnard was the food and drug commissioner for the State ... Read more
Year Built: 1876 Architecture Style: Victorian Gothic Key Features:  Rounded Turrets with Dormers High Gables Steeple Roof Decorative Vergeboard The “Castle House” is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic; it features high gables,... Read more
The winding streets and the Circle are examples of the progressive ideas that were built into the Irvington plan when the neighborhood was founded. The circle is one of three in the neighborhood, and has been a part of the neighborhood si... Read more
Year Built: 1902 Architecture Style: Arts and Crafts Key Features:  Central Fireplace and Decorative Masonry Double Front Doors Decorative Window over Porch During the roaring ‘20s, Indianapolis was flourishing as many high end car maker... Read more
Year Built: Circa 1890s Architecture Style: Colonial Revival Key Features:  Elaborate Door Surround Tall Narrow Windows Keystones Caught up in the Progressive movement of the late nineteenth century, several generous residents provided an ... Read more
Many of the homes we’re about to pass were fraternity and sorority houses for Butler University. Oak Avenue features beautiful old oak trees and contrasting architectural styles. Note the diversity of the architecture with Queen Anne, Ame... Read more
Year Built: 1905 Architecture Style: Arts and Crafts Key Features: Large Central Gabled Dormer Gambrel Roof Large Porch with Brick Supports Many of the private residences along South Audubon were converted into fraternity and sorority home... Read more
Irvington was modeled after Glendale, a suburb of Cincinnati. In the Glendale plan, locals built a small commercial area near the railroad depot. Irvington founders did the same, constructing most of these commercial structures in the late ... Read more
Year Built: 1873 Architecture Style: Italianate Key Features:  Decorative Brackets Tall Narrow Windows with Full Arches Attic Level Windows This graceful Italianate dwelling was built in 1873, and is one of the most important landmarks in ... Read more
Year Built: 1928 Architecture Style: Gothic Revival Key Features:  Pointed Gothic Arches Large Tower Stone Construction "Irvington Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1906, the church recently celeb... Read more

 

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