Old Northside History

Our History

The Old Northside is more than just a collection of impressive houses; it is a living timeline of Indianapolis’s transition from a pioneer settlement to a thriving Gilded Age capital. Located just north of downtown, it remains one of the premier examples of Victorian-era preservation in the United States.

1. The Golden Era (1870s – 1910s)

Before the 1870s, the area was largely wooded farmland. As the city’s industrial and railroad sectors boomed, the wealthy elite sought to escape the noise and soot of the inner city.

The Old Northside became the "it" neighborhood for Indianapolis's social, political, and commercial leaders. During this period:

Architectural Diversity: The neighborhood became a showcase for high-Victorian styles, including Italianate, Queen Anne, and Romanesque Revival.
Notable Residents: It was home to figures like President Benjamin Harrison, novelist Meredith Nicholson, and the Fortune family (of Fortune 500 fame).
Social Hub: The area boasted prestigious clubs and religious institutions, such as the Propylaeum and the Central Christian Church.

2. Decline and Transformation (1920s – 1960s)

The neighborhood’s dominance began to fade after World War I. Several factors contributed to a period of "grand decay":

The Rise of Meridian-Kessler: The advent of the automobile allowed the wealthy to move further north to suburbs like Meridian-Kessler and Williams Creek.
The Great Depression: Many of the massive single-family mansions were subdivided into apartments or "boarding houses" to make them financially viable.
Urban Flight: Post-WWII suburbanization and the construction of the interstate system (I-65/I-70) physically cut the neighborhood off from other parts of the city, leading to further disinvestment.

3. The Preservation Movement (1970s – Present)

By the 1970s, many of the district's most beautiful homes were slated for demolition or had fallen into extreme disrepair. However, a group of dedicated residents saw the value in the "bones" of the neighborhood.

1978: The Old Northside was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
O.N.S. Association/Foundation: Residents formed the Old Northside Association/Foundation to provide a legal and social framework for restoration.
Restoration Boom: Over the last 40 years, the neighborhood has undergone a massive "gentle" restoration. Unlike many modern developments, the focus here has been on strict historical accuracy—restoring original woodwork, slate roofs, and wrought-iron fences.

Landmark

Style

Significance

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Italianate

The former home of the 23rd U.S. President. This Italianate mansion serves as a cornerstone of the neighborhood's historic identity. The 16-room mansion was built in 1875 and features a classic Italianate design with tall windows and decorative brackets. Guided tours of the interior provide a glimpse into the life of the only U.S. president elected from Indiana, showcasing many original Victorian furnishings.

The Morris-Butler House

Second Empire

The Morris-Butler House is a premier example of Second Empire-style architecture and serves as a vital landmark in the history of the Old Northside. Built in 1865, it was the first major preservation project of Indiana Landmarks and played a key role in saving the surrounding neighborhood from being demolished by interstate construction. Family Legacy: The house is named after its two primary resident families: the John D. Morris family (1865–1878) and the Noble Chase Butler family (1881–1957). Preservation Milestone: In 1964, the home was rescued from "grand decay" by Indiana Landmarks with financial support from Eli Lilly. This effort was so significant that it successfully lobbied to curve the I-65/I-70 interstate to avoid destroying the site. Current Use: After operating as a museum for over 40 years, it transitioned in 2013 into a venue for special events, educational programs, and private rentals.

The Propylaeum

Neoclassical

The Indianapolis Propylaeum is a stunning Neoclassical mansion was originally built for industrialist John W. Schmidt and later became a center for arts and culture. The structure is a premier example of high-Victorian elegance, featuring grand ballrooms and intricate woodwork. Since 1923, it has served as a social and leadership hub for women in Indianapolis, continuing a legacy of civic engagement.

Ovid Butler Mansion

Italianate

The Ovid Butler House, historically known as Forest Home, is a landmark of immense cultural and educational importance to Indianapolis. Located at 1306 North Park Avenue, it served as the residence of Ovid Butler, the founder of Butler University, from its completion in the late 1840s until his death in 1881. History and Significance The Founder's Retreat: Ovid Butler, a prominent lawyer and abolitionist, purchased the farmland north of the city in 1846 and built this home as a sanctuary after surviving a life-threatening illness. Birth of a University: The land surrounding the house originally made up the entire eastern half of the Old Northside. Butler donated 20 acres of this estate at 13th Street and College Avenue to establish North Western Christian University, which was later renamed Butler University in his honor. Preservation Landmark: The house is a private residence today but remains a centerpiece of the neighborhood. A state historical marker dedicated in 2007 stands in the yard, honoring Butler’s advocacy for abolition and women's rights.

the Indiana Landmarks Center, housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century church building. The Romanesque Revival building features a massive bell tower and stunning stained glass windows. While not a private home, it is the organizational heart of the neighborhood’s preservation success and often hosts exhibits on local architecture.

Romanesque Revival

Indiana Landmarks Center

Old Northside

Old Northside is a residential neighborhood near downtown in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is bordered by 16th Street on the north, Pennsylvania Street on the west, Interstate I-65 on the south, and Bellefontaine Street on the east. The Monon Trail runs along the eastern edge of The Frank and Judy O'Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park.

Old Northside was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is home to many residences from the Victorian era.