Kesslerwood Civic League

Broad Ripple Living

History

The collage of Village history
Broad Ripple Village traces its history back almost two centuries, when Jacob Coil surveyed plots of land northeast of Indianapolis on the south bank of the White River in 1837. That same year, work began on the Central Canal, a waterway project linking Broad Ripple with Indianapolis as part of a state-wide canal system. Broad Ripple was incorporated officially as a town in 1884 and eventually was annexed to the city of Indianapolis in 1922.

A dramatic past
The Village has gone through great transformations and turmoil. The area once had a gristmill, an amusement park, a jail, ice houses, steamship cruises and more. Broad Ripple Village suffered through many floods, fires and explosions, but always overcame adversity and rebuilt itself.

Today, Broad Ripple Village thrives amid heartfelt memories and exciting new endeavors. Key pieces tell the story.

Broad Ripple Park had its beginning in 1922. The grand White City Amusement Park, which opened on its grounds in 1906, was in business for many years, even rebuilding after a disastrous fire in 1908. Today, IndyParks and Recreation runs the park, offering multiple classes, family activities, outdoor swimming and a dog park.

A walk on the arts side
The Vogue, on College Avenue near Broad Ripple Avenue, has been a BroadRippleVillage landmark since Carl Niesse opened the premier movie house in 1938. It was remodeled in 1977, offering top-notch concerts. The interior was renovated in 1993, and the venue currently presents all types of entertainment.

The Indianapolis Art Center, founded in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration project, began with one instructor, a handful of students, and no facility of its own. In the past seven decades, it has grown to include a Cultural Complex housing individual artist studios, classes, the Writers’ Center of Indiana, and the ARTSPARK.

Broad Ripple Village stands tall on its heritage, strong commitment to community, and revolutionary success.

Dining and Shopping

Surprises abound with the taste of ethnic foods, galleries and artsy shops with unique offerings. Broad Ripple Village always has been known for its artistic residents, independent businesses and overall image of creativity. You can find clothing styles from New York City runways, great vintage fashions, and eclectic wares. Upscale to out-of-the-ordinary home furnishings, as well as plush baby accessories, are all available.

Wonderful gifts, stationery, and decorative accessories can be found in The Village at numerous shops. Chelsea’s is in its 24th year of business, and RSVP features fine stationery and gifts from such designers as Vera Wang and Kate Spade.

This retro neighborhood offers everything from authentic 1920s flapper dresses to modern fashions for every age. The French Pharmacie, a premier fashion boutique, caters to sophisticated shoppers with European-style couture classics. Other local favorites include the rich colors and bold patterns of Marigold and the eclectic variety of clothing and accessories at Girly Chic.

Art lovers will be pleased with the selection of local and nationally-known artisans, vintage furniture, and collectibles. Add in the exceptional and ever-popular Broad Ripple Art Fair, presented by the Indianapolis Art Center on its grounds every May, and you’re sure to find the perfect piece to suit the most astute tastes. Two longstanding annual district-wide gallery tours, in May and September, provide the perfect opportunity to get to know all that’s offered.

Asian, American, Greek, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and just about every other international cuisine is sure to please your palette while dining in Broad Ripple Village. Quaint restaurants, authentic pubs and ethnic eateries pepper the area. Fast-food Cajun, gourmet popcorn, and five-course meals – the options are endless.

Broad Ripple Village enjoys a vibrant and active street life, day and night. It’s the hot spot for a night out with friends of all ages or an opportunity to make new ones. Enjoy great live music or a friendly game of darts or billiards, tear up the dance floor, catch the game on the big screens, or spend a leisurely evening sipping your favorite beverage.

Interesting and diverse people become part of the entertainment. It’s the place to see and be seen. In addition, a multitude of annual special events happen here, including the Farmers’ Market, Ripple Effect 4 Mile Run / Walk, and the Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour. Whatever your preference, Broad Ripple Village is open – if you are.

Attractions Art and Architecture

Broad Ripple Village, known for its flair and creativity, has wonderful art and architecture nestled in areas throughout the district.

With the addition of the ARTSPARK to the Indianapolis Art Center in 2005, art and nature have come together, allowing people to experience both in exciting new ways. Sculptures (such as Confluence, created by sculptor Robert Stackhouse using 100 tons of Indiana limestone), plants, views of the White River, and sensory paths create a rich, all-encompassing experience for visitors. ARTSPARK is more than just a park; it’s an outdoor laboratory for creativity and garden for sculpture and other public art projects.

The Broad Ripple Art Fair takes place here each May, drawing more than 25,000 people to view and purchase artwork from more than 225 national and international artists.

While following the Monon Trail, walkers can see unique murals created by local aerosol artists among nature’s own picturesque beauty. In 2007, a new painted mural with Broad Ripple Village’s unique identity was added to the side of Chelsea’s 902 Westfield Boulevard building, facing Guilford Avenue.

In addition, a gateway sculpture was fabricated in the district. Implication of Three by artist Tim Ryan, located on the College Avenue median near 67th Street, is a soaring 20-foot, three-sided column gaining volume as it ascends. It is made of inner steel and poured concrete core to which more than 650 textured, ceramic tiles adhere. The piece invites study and reflection and greets visitors on the main Broad Ripple Village north-south artery.

The neighborhoods themselves are full of wonderful architecture and bungalows. Between the creative sculptures, murals, art pieces, and historic buildings throughout the district, Broad Ripple is an art-lover’s dream.

Links

Broad Ripple Village Association
Indianapolis Art Center