Broad Ripple, one of Indianapolis’ historic gems, may be getting a bit of a facelift in the near future thanks to a new development which includes a five-story building filled with 120 apartments, a new parking garage, grocery store, presumably a Whole Foods Market, and 33,000 square feet of retail space.
With all of the new changes to the area, will it begin to attract a different crowd?
The Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council approved zoning variances in a 5-1 vote and now the next step is for final approval by the full council.
The building will replace an abandoned Shell gas station on College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard and developers have high hopes for this new $30 million establishment.
Kent Springer, Broad Ripple Village Association board of director and chair of its Economic Development committee, said they want Broad Ripple to be known for more than just its nightlife.
“We are hoping with this new building we will get more people living in Broad Ripple and the more people live here, the more people are here during the daytime,” said Springer. We’re really working to get more small businesses too.”
Known as an arts and culture district, the area seems to attract more of the artsy and hipster generation. Many may visit the area for local shops or even their favorite restaurant, but the real situation lies at the point of hospitality. Do all races and ethnicities, especially Black residents in the city of Indianapolis feel welcomed to this neighborhood?
Lauren Hughes, visits Broad Ripple frequently and prefers it to the downtown nightlife.
“I think part of the reason is because you can just relax, have fun at the same time and just talk to people, whereas downtown is a bunch of clubs,” said Hughes, who is biracial. “Personally I feel welcomed but in my opinion it’s a certain stereotype or group of Black people that might not be as welcomed.”
Hughes says she thinks Broad Ripple doesn’t have an issue with Black people, just the company they sometimes bring. Certain people may not feel welcomed for a number of reasons including their dress, attitude and poor manners she believes.
Clifton Snorton, an Indianapolis native, says he doesn’t visit often simply because it doesn’t fit his interest.
“I’m just not big on the bar scene,” said Snorton, who is an African-American. “The number of Black people I do know that go out in Broad Ripple is decreasing. Hopefully, some new developments will do a better job of attracting people of color back to the area.”
While some African-Americans may not feel as if it’s their home away from home, others choose to visit the area out of convenience.
“I personally like the vibe and feel of the area,” said Broad Ripple resident, Terrance Veals, who also is Black. “With that, I don’t feel as if many of the shops and stores are tailored to a more urban crowd, however I don’t feel as if it is a bad thing. The area stays true to its hipster, yet retro style while within a multicultural feel.”
Sometimes it’s all about the perception of the person within the surroundings.
“(Broad Ripple) has something for everyone; however, people of color don’t bother to explore and experience the things that’s right under their noses,” said Veals.
Broad Ripple brings other forms of entertainment other than simply restaurants. Concerts are often held at the Vogue theater where artists of all genres grace the stage. Every summer the Fifth Third Bank Broad Ripple Art Fair arrives and each December BROAD RIPPLE Lights Up! brings the community together for festive fun.
The question of whether or not African-Americans are welcomed within this district and if new developments will change the stigma attached to this area remains a mystery.
The full council is scheduled to meet June 2 at 7 p.m. and the next Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 5:30 p.m.
