Woodruff Place Historic District
Indianapolis, Indiana
Booth Tarkington, author and Indianapolis native, penned the novel The Magnificent Ambersons in 1918. This novel, which won the 1919 Pulitzer Prize, was inspired by Tarkington’s time residing in Woodruff Place. Only a magnificent area such as Woodruff Place could bring the influence needed to write a masterpiece as this.
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The History of Woodruff Place
Purchased in 1873 by James Woodruff, 77 wooded, sprawling acres just East of downtown Indianapolis were designed and laid out as Woodruff Place. His vision of this area was to mimic the formal Italian Renaissance Gardens of Versailles. Three boulevards with one cross-street were constructed. Each street was centered with a wide landscaped esplanade filled with cast-iron statuary, flower urns and fountains to create a garden-like atmosphere.
In 1876 Woodruff Place was incorporated as a small town, complete with its’ own government. An English Cottage-style stucco Town Hall still sits at 735 East Drive as a reminder of this municipality that was in effect until 1962. In the 1950’s most of the residential homes were subdivided into apartments. In the late 1960’s and early 70’s neighborhood revitalization began and homes were transformed back to their original status. The 1980’s and 90’s saw rehabilitation of homes, esplanades and streets hit full swing. This area has been historically protected since 2001.
The Beauty of Woodruff Place Today
Most homes in Woodruff Place were built between 1898 and 1910. The architecture of these expansive residential homes encompasses a wide variety of styles including: Queen Anne, Cottage, Bungalow, Shingle, Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival, Classic, American Foursquare and more.
Modern-day Woodruff Place is an impressive, quiet, tight-knit community full of neighborhood pride and friendly residents. Splendid multi-tiered fountains - three of which are the originals - still greet residents at every intersection, as they did so many years ago. As in days past, impressive cast-iron statuettes, urns and landscaping still create interesting places to stop and admire the beauty of this long-standing area. Friends gather year-round for various events and are always looking to enhance the beauty and preserve the history of the district. This location also offers a quiet refuge with quick access to the city when desired.
Stop by on a warm day and gaze at one of the impressive fountains. Close your eyes under a large shady Oak tree and one can almost hear on the breeze the “clomp-clomp” of a horse pulling a carriage down the street and past the handsome abodes. This is the beauty and charm of Woodruff Place.
