Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) met on June 3, 2026, to consider several certificates of appropriateness and variances for projects in historic districts. The meeting included approval of minutes, expedited cases, and four major public hearings. Significant public testimony was heard on a proposed grocery store in Ransom Place, a large redevelopment in the Wholesale District, traffic safety improvements on College Avenue, and three cottage‑home projects. Multiple cases were continued to the July 1 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of May Minutes – The minutes from the May IHPC meeting were approved unanimously.
• Expedited Cases – Two expedited cases were approved:
  • 2026 COA 147 & 2026 VHP 006: Expansion and improvement of a parking lot at 1708 N. Pennsylvania St., including a variance of use and development standards (commercial parking in a dwelling district). Passed with one commissioner recused.
  • 2026 COA 156: Construction of a single‑family residence, detached garage, in‑ground pool, and retaining wall at 2142 N. New Jersey St. Passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Super Jams Grocery Store (1010 Dr. MLK Jr. St.):

  • Ransom Place Neighborhood Association President Candice Offitt opposed the proposal, citing traffic and safety concerns at the already congested 10th and MLK intersection, lack of a current traffic study (last was 2022), incompatibility with the historic residential character, 24‑hour operation concerns (noise, light, loitering), and questions about environmental remediation. She requested denial.
  • Paula Brooks (948 Camp St.) argued the petitioner manipulated data by using 2022 traffic counts (during COVID), noting a 30% increase in 2023 traffic and a 200% increase in accidents since 2022. She asked for a stay until DPW reviews its decision.
  • Carlette Duffy (Flint House neighborhood) spoke on behalf of the Medic umbrella association, opposing the project due to dangerous traffic, lack of need (existing nearby grocery stores), and negative impact on historic neighborhoods (Ransom Place, Flint House, Fayette Street). She noted the 16th Street bridge closure will exacerbate traffic.
  • Meg Starrow (Mass Ave Cultural District) informed the commission that NDOT has issued an RFP to redesign the Meridian Street bridge interchange, which may close the area for 2‑3 years.
  • Matt Brown (Westside Development – adjacent shopping center owner) opposed, stating 18‑wheelers cannot maneuver the site (50‑ft turning radius needed), underparking will cause overflow onto his property, and the intersection is already dangerous.
  • Lynn Johnson (923 N. California St.) opposed due to traffic, ambulance access, bright lights, uncovered trash, and lack of need; 24‑hour nuisance is a major concern.
  • Steve Nelson (839 Parker St.) opposed, citing traffic and danger to children from a nearby high school.
  • Vop Ossilly (District 12 City‑County Councillor) urged denial, supporting residents’ concerns about traffic safety and livability of the historic neighborhood.
  • Applicant (Chris Greisel, Barnes & Thornburg) presented the project as a 7,120‑sq‑ft grocery store with 18 parking spaces, curb cuts on 10th and MLK (left‑in/left‑out, right‑in/right‑out), and design changes based on earlier commission feedback. They stated DPW did not require a traffic study and the store would increase daily traffic by only ~2%.

• Wholesale District – Old Red Venue (231‑235 S. Meridian St.):

  • Mark Delassi (Indiana Landmarks) opposed the level of demolition, arguing the interior historic fabric is being sacrificed for a facade‑only approach. He requested a continuance to explore saving more of the original buildings and offered to fund additional structural analysis.
  • Applicant (Mike Baylog, owner’s rep) presented plans to merge three buildings into a single restaurant/bar/live music venue (Blake Shelton’s Old Red), with 40‑million‑dollar investment. They proposed selective interior demolition due to structural deterioration and the need to meet modern live loads, while preserving and restoring the historic facades.

• DPW Traffic Safety Improvements (College Ave) :

  • Meg Starrow (Mass Ave Cultural Arts District) supported the project conditionally, asking for permanent (not temporary) curb extensions made of compatible materials (brick, concrete), crash‑rated bollards, and further community engagement. She noted the need for a comprehensive traffic plan for the whole corridor.
  • Richard Sullivan (860 N. College Ave) opposed the existing speed table (the “Bottle Works bump”), calling it unsafe and poorly designed; he requested its full removal.
  • Tom Schaeffer (624 E. Walnut St.) said the project’s drawings were unintelligible and that the neighborhood was not adequately consulted.
  • Tom Hannafi (664 E. Arch St.) urged broader discussion, noting that traffic rerouting affects alleys and neighboring houses.

• Cottage Home (1204, 1208 Polk & 941 Highland) :

  • Heather Sullivan (Cottage Home conservation committee chair) reported the committee supported the project but noted neighbor concerns about parking and understanding of the conservation plan. She specifically worried about removing insul‑brick without first evaluating wood siding underneath.
  • Joan Hostetler (716 Dorman St.) opposed the scale of the addition at 1204 Polk, arguing it would dwarf the historic cottage contrary to the neighborhood conservation plan. She requested a one‑story connector instead of the proposed 1½‑story connector to the garage.

Discussion Items

• Super Jams Grocery Store – Continued : After extensive public testimony and commission deliberation, the commission expressed concerns about traffic (though acknowledging it is a regional issue beyond the commission’s purview), 24‑hour operation, signage/branding based on the applicant’s other locations, and architectural design (especially the corner and pilasters). The applicant offered to make commitments on hours and signage. The commission voted to continue the case (both COA and variance) to the July 1 meeting, with the expectation that the applicant will work with staff and the neighborhood on hours, lighting, signage, and design refinements.

• Wholesale District (Old Red) – Continued : Commissioners debated whether interior demolition (south wall, rear portions) is appropriate. Commissioner Baker (Vice President) argued the buildings are among the oldest in the district and that the applicant had not demonstrated the redevelopment is impossible without such radical demolition. He proposed alternatives (e.g., saving front portions, using vacant lot to the south). The commission agreed to continue the case to July 1 to allow further study and possible structural analysis funded by Indiana Landmarks.

• DPW College Avenue Curb Extensions – Approved with Conditions : The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for temporary (modular) curb extensions and a permanent concrete truck apron, subject to stipulations: (1) approval of final drawings, (2) temporary curb extensions must be removed or replaced with permanent concrete curbs by June 3, 2027, unless re‑approved by IHPC, (3) staff to approve filler board color in consultation with neighborhood, (4) staff to approve apron color/stamping, (5) any changes approved by staff. The commission also strongly urged DPW to engage the neighborhood and Mass Ave groups in developing permanent solutions.

• Cottage Home 1204 Polk – Continued : The commission unanimously voted to continue the COA for 1204 Polk to July 1 due to concerns that the 1½‑story connector to the garage overwhelms the historic cottage. Commissioners asked the applicant to reduce the scale of the connector and reconsider the dormer design.

• Cottage Home 1208 Polk and 941 Highland – Approved : The commission approved certificates of appropriateness for new single‑family houses and variances (reduced parking for 1208, reduced lot size for 941) with stipulations.

• Variance for Fence at 1204 Polk – Continued : The variance to allow a fence in the right‑of‑way and clear sight triangle was continued to July 1 to align with the main case.

Key Outcomes

• Super Jams grocery store : Continued to July 1, 2026 (both COA and variance).
• Old Red venue : Continued to July 1, 2026 (both COA and variance).
• DPW curb extensions : Approved with stipulations requiring removal/replacement by June 3, 2027, and staff‑approved colors in consultation with neighborhood.
• Cottage Home 1204 Polk : COA continued to July 1; fence variance also continued.
• Cottage Home 1208 Polk : COA and variance approved.
• Cottage Home 941 Highland : COA and variance approved.

All votes were unanimous unless noted (one commissioner recused on expedited cases).