Watson-McCord is a geographically small neighborhood centered on Watson Road. The boundaries are seen here:
The winding street follows along the southern edge of a natural ridge line, which appears to be a glacial moraine. The ridge is prominent in Watson Bird Preserve, on the northeast corner of Watson and Guilford.  It’s an interesting sight; mature trees and topography in the middle of an urban neighborhood:
The park is lined with 1920’s era houses, similar in style to the homes found to the north of 38th Street:
Across College Avenue, the neighborhood hosts yet another small park. The sundial is intriguing:
In this public space lie two memorials. This one is to honor a fallen police officer:
To the north of Watson Road, houses line the ridge:
One last attractive residence:
Charming little neighborhood. It’s extremely close to the 38th Street & Meridian junction of a lot of bus lines, too. Just goes to show that not all development need be super-dense. Diversity is the spice of life, after all!
Wow, I had no idea this neighborhood was so charming. I’ll have to check it out sometime.
Thanks for taking a look at Watson McCord. We love our neighborhood; we found a home that would be the envy of most Meridian-Kessler residents, who appreciate Tudor-Revival style, leaded glass windows and hardwood floors. And, my wife and I could AFFORD it in this neighborhood!
Watson McCord represents what is really great about Indianapolis. Beautiful architecture, caring, diverse neighbors, close proximity to downtown and surrounding areas. We are very proud of our neighborhood and take great pleasure in watching it continue to grow and flourish. Our house (the final shot on this blog) and neighborhood will again be featured in the Indianapolis Star sometime in September.
Thanks to both of you for visiting and your comments.
Kevin,
I am intrigued by your work. At Marian, we are looking for ways to collaborate and connect our students with neighborhoods and perhaps be involved in long range projects and reviving neighborhood identity. Would you be willing to talk/meet with me and a few professors who are interested in long term civic engagement? My number is 3179556085. Thanks Kevin
The “small park” referred to is McCord Park, named after my late uncle, Robert McCord, who was active in the community association during the the 1960s when the neighborhood was becoming integrated. He died suddenly of a heart attack at age 65 and the community/city honored him and his work of bringing people of different backgrounds together by naming the parkette after him. The memorial shown is in honor of Officer William Whitfield, the first African-American police officer in Indianapolis (and Indiana) to die in the line of duty. He died in 1922 but the memorial is quite recent. I like the symbolism of both my White uncle and the Black police officer being honored in the same community they served to make better.
Stephen,
You listed yourself as the nephew of “Robert McCord” for which McCord Park is named. As one of the area’s amature historians, I would love to be in contact with you to document more information about Mr. McCord. Please send an email to info@ (followed by watsonpark.org) and ask that it be forwarded to Brenda. Thanks!
In 2012, the area was awarded national historic status as the Watson Park Historic District. Our branding moves forward as “Historic Watson Park” (HWP). As one of the area’s amature historians, I would love to be in contact with the person who listed Robert McCord as their uncle… you can contact the neighborhood association using the email info@ followed by watsonpark.org. Please put a note asking for your email to be forwarded to Brenda.
I lived on Guilford from 1953 to 1961, and have fond memories of walking through the Watson Park area as a young child, and sledding on the hill there in winter. I have lived out West (CA and Oregon) since the 1970’s, but plan to visit my family’s old neighborhood in July 2016, and would love to visit the Park and area again. Thanks to everyone involved in keeping these historic neighborhoods so beautiful. Cecelia Beeler Granger, Powell Butte, Oregon