Bates Hendricks is a small neighborhood on Indianapolis’ southeast side, and is just another one of the cities unknown gems just waiting to be discovered. With history abound, Bates Hendricks offers its residents the chance to be a part of a close-knit neighborhood type environment. It’s this type of atmosphere that breeds the good ol’ fashioned Hoosier charm everyone keeps talking about; think “main street USA”, but within arms-length” to the downtown.
Bathing in the light of the ever-popular Fountain Square area, Bates Hendricks is set to be a real up-and-comer in Indianapolis’ growing neighborhood scene. With its close proximity to the city, BH offers residents a small town feel just minutes away from everything Indianapolis has to offer. Cyclists can commute downtown with ease via East Street’s newly built bike lane system. Those with a vehicle will be glad to see that the access roads to I-65 and I-70 are very close by. This makes Bates Hendricks an ideal location for a downtown dwelling family looking for a home not too far from the action.
BH is also near one of the great parks of Indianapolis, Garfield Park. Named after President James Garfield, after his assassination in 1881, this green space spans 128 acres and is the oldest park in Indy. In fact, Garfield Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Garfield Park is also home to the famous Conservatory building, which was built in 1954. Constructed on welded-aluminum and glass, this structure was actually the very first building of its kind in the United States. The Conservatory houses tree frogs, free-flying birds, and tropical plants. Alongside these interesting items is a 15-foot-tall waterfall made of granite stone! Looking for more green space? Look no further! Bates Hendricks offers a couple more areas within the neighborhood itself. Hendricks Park, just off Madison Avenue, is a small area perfect for a Sunday afternoon picnic. The Pleasant Run Trail can also be found in BH. This nearly 7-mile trail runs along Pleasant Run Creek and leads you to the aforementioned Garfield Park.
The history of Bates Hendricks is worth mentioning as well. The neighborhood actually takes its name from a beautifully historic building known as the Bates-Hendricks House. Yet another place in the area listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this home was constructed in 3 stages, all throughout the 19th century, and remains one of the oldest standing structures in Indianapolis. The house was named in part for Marion County’s first sheriff Hervey Bates, and also for Thomas A. Hendricks, who was Vice President of the United States under President Grover Cleveland.
All this talk of the historical significance of Bates Hendricks might have you picturing weathered buildings and crumbling streets… au contraire! This neighborhood has experienced significant redevelopment in recent years, and is still currently in the process of infrastructure renovation. Thanks to project grants from the Lilly Foundation and the City of Indianapolis, BH has seen new streets, landscaping, and even a brand new esplanade! The neighborhood has seen such great revitalizations that it was awarded third-place in the ‘Physical Revitalization Beautification’ of the ‘Neighborhood of the Year Awards’ given by the national organization, Neighborhoods USA.
If you like the thought of walking down the street to meet-up with your neighbors, while passing a young teenager walking their dog, or seeing a retired couple in rocking-chairs on their front porch, Bates Hendricks might just be the place for you. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for current updates and neighborhood news.
