Chatham Arch - An Indianapolis Historic Neighborhood

Chatham Arch is located in the Northeast Quandrant of Downtown Indianapolis and is less than one mile from Monument Circle.  As a Historic District it is comprised of mostly single-family and multi-family homes.  The northern portion of Chatham Arch has an unusual mixture of housing types. You will find workers' cottages, middle class residences, rental duplexes, apartment buildings and flats, commercial buildings with second floor sleeping rooms, and a few large homes of the wealthy that all existed at the turn of the century.  (The map to the left shows the boundaries for Chatham-Arch and Massachusetts Ave as represented on http://www.indygov.org/.

Another important factor about Chatham Arch is its historical roots in many of the major religious denominations of the city.  In fact, one of the oldest black congregations, Allen Chapel AME Church, has occupied a location in the area for over 116 years.

In researching this area, I found that part of the land was donated in the original U.S. Government donation for Indianapolis.  John Wood, Sr. originally from New York was one of the original outlot purchasers.  It was believed that possibly two residences had survived from the first settlement and these homes which were built between 1840-1850s.  I was only able to find the home pictured below at 734 N. Park Ave when visiting Chatham Arch.  It is said that this home was built by the John Koch family.  I also found a picture of the home at http://www.rileyarea.org prior to being restored.  (If you look closely, you can see the split sidewalk evident in both photos.) 

The area's irregular street pattern, most of it dating before the Civil War, recalls life in Indianapolis when the city was just beginning to expand beyond the original Mile Square plat.  The area also boasts a group of Civil War era workers' cottages on Arch, St. Clair, and 9th Streets.  Each of the homes shown below, are listed for sale at time of writing.  Prices range between $249,900 - $399,900.  Many of the warehouses have been converted into condos.  Besides the historic homes, you will also find new townhouses which meet the historic guidelines for the area.

Are you planning a visit to Indianapolis?  Want to experience the Chatham Arch Neighborhood first hand?  It just so happens that a wonderful Bed & Breakfast called the Hoffman House is located at 545 E. Eleventh Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2627.  Laura Arnold is the owner and inn keeper. 

Chatham Arch is just steps from the downtown activity and situated close to I65 and I70.  There are plans to extend the Indy Cultural Trail into the area by 2008.  (See http://activerain.com/blogsview/76016/New-to-Indianapolis-Visit for more information about the Monon Trail.)

For more information about the Greater Indianapolis Area and/or help in searching for a home, please visit http://cyndisellsindy.com. I would love to assist you in finding your next home.