Indianapolis Commission reviews multiple expedited development cases including new park proposal

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission convened on July 2, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including expedited cases and continued applications from previous meetings.

The meeting began with a request to continue the case for 2064 North Alabama Street, also known as 251 and 253 East 21st Street, to the August 6 commission meeting. The motion for continuance was approved unanimously.

Next, the commission reviewed four expedited cases. The first case, 2025 COA 135 for 11605 East Washington Street, involved a request from applicant Travis Hunt to retain a parking lot expansion that was paved without prior approval and to allow occasional automotive sales in a C3 zoning district.

The second case, 2025 COA 185 for 156 South Downey Avenue, presented by Amanda Enriquez, sought permission to demolish a rear addition and construct a new one on a non-contributing house.

The third case, 2025 COA 195 for 120 S. Weyburn Street, involved Darryl Cooley's request to retain a fence installed without approval and to seek variances for its height and location in required clear sight triangles and the right-of-way.

The final expedited case, 2025 COA 196 for 1015 Broadway Street, proposed by David Starr, aimed to build a pocket park featuring fencing, seating, a trellis, a pergola, hardscaping, and landscaping. During discussions, Commissioner Susan raised concerns regarding public safety and lighting for the pocket park, suggesting a review by a public safety official.

After deliberation, the commission voted in favor of the expedited cases as presented, with no opposition noted. The commission then moved to vote on the variances related to these cases, which also passed unanimously.

The meeting concluded with a continued application for 2025 COA 083 at 1306 East Saint Clair Street, presented by Josh Smith of Riviera Group. The proposal involved constructing a two-story house with a carriage house in the Cottage Home neighborhood.

Overall, the meeting addressed significant developments in local preservation efforts, with a focus on maintaining community standards while accommodating new projects. The next steps include further discussions and reviews for the continued applications and ongoing projects.