The decline of the Avenue Indiana Avenue

these storefronts in 500 block of indiana avenue date 20th century. during economic decline of avenue suffered severe deterioration, restored in 1990s.

as segregation laws began change in late 1950s, african american middle class began leaving once bustling indiana avenue corridor greater opportunities in northwestern marion county, settling in pike , washington townships. 1965, plight of community left madame walker building closed abandonment, removing vital economic anchor area. walker manufacturing company remained in ailing building. 1970s, indiana avenue suffering severe urban blight.

by 1980s, instead of city attempting renewal or regeneration, of area merely demolished , replaced office buildings or townhouses, although historic madame walker building restored , reopened public in 1988 focus on performing arts. while no longer blighted zone, indiana avenue s legacy consists of few historic buildings , plaque. through financial support of indianapolis cultural development commission, formed mayor bart peterson in 2002, community stakeholders planning regeneration of area. mayor announced effort restore indiana avenue name portions of avenue have been changed on years.

on march 28, 2007, name of indiana avenue north of 10th street , south of 16th street restored, after having been called stadium drive since 1932.