Category «Historical Posts»

West Washington Street

West Washington Street has been a base for Latin American immigrants in Indianapolis for decades. The area near Belmont Street contains an array of historic mixed-use store fronts. This may be a controversial point, but I believe this might be most fully-functioning “Main Street” type of area in the city. Most of the buildings are …

Parking Lot Density

This parking lot stood out to me when I visited some friends in their new office. Some of the cars in the back have 5 cars in front of them, and getting them out of there must be like a sliding block puzzle. The lot is located just north of Market Street, on Wabash Street.

Amazing before and after

A house in my neighborhood underwent an amazing transformation, and I didn’t even know it was happening at the time. Often I walked past this house and thought it was pretty shabby: I had no clue of its potential. One day recently I noticed it was completely different: It’s hard to believe it’s the same …

Alleys

Alleys serve an essential function in residential neighborhoods. They house the less attractive, but essential, necessities: garages, utility poles, trash cans and more. If it weren’t for alleys, these would all be fronting the street. This alley a block from my house has to be one of the nicest in the area. Nicely paved and …

It’s Always Cloudy on Keystone Avenue

This is the best this stretch of Keystone can look: Keystone Avenue is a tough place to love. It is similar to newer automobile-based commercial strips, with a few differences: Utility poles in the sidewalks. Actually, that makes 2 differences, in that there are actually sidewalks on Keystone. But with the utility poles crowding the …

GIS Nerd Alert!

If you’ve clicked my profile, you’ve seen that I’m a GIS Technician. I have a Geography degree, which is why I find space and place so important. Today I found this fascinating article on the New York Times about the use of GIS in finding little unused public spaces, which, when added up, make up …

Update on Near Eastside Investment

There were a few reports last night regarding the Near Eastside Investment project. Here’s are some links: WRTV, including video. Star WISH WTHR, including video. As most are aware, I love the potential of East 10th Street. Our densest commerial street deserves this attention.

More fun with zoning

This article on the Star is yet another example of our misplaced priorities with regards to zoning. Let’s go down a quick list of why this is ridiculous to fight: Gives Eastside residents a much-needed place to work. Helps the city’s tax base. A green business that can be called on as a future asset. …

Heads up: Near-eastside neighborhood redevelopment

This little blurb is so short that I can quote it in full. The announcement will take place Monday at 10 am at Brookside Elementary School. Thanks to Thundermutt for the heads up. The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee next week will be among six groups announcing a new investment in a local neighborhood. …

Keep pushing for Indy Connect

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a surprise appearance at the National Bike Summit in Washington DC. The Secretary made a strong pitch for diversified transportation options, as the Streetsblog article does a fine job of highlighting. This is another sign to me that the time is right for Indy Connect. To be honest, improvements like …