INDIANAPOLIS — The Butler-Tarkington neighborhood on Indianapolis's near-north side has secured a $2.4 million grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Central Indiana Community Foundation to construct a new community center at a former commercial site on 49th Street — a project years in the making that residents say will fill a critical gap in neighborhood infrastructure.
Butler-Tarkington is one of Indianapolis's most racially and socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods, a 1.5-square-mile area between the Butler University campus and the Meridian-Kessler district that has been an intentionally integrated community since the 1960s. Despite its strong community identity, the neighborhood has lacked a dedicated community gathering space since the closure of a neighborhood center in 2009.
"Butler-Tarkington has always had incredible community spirit," said Neighborhood Association President Gloria Whitfield. "What we've been missing is a physical home for that spirit — a place where kids can go after school, where seniors can gather, where neighbors can meet and organize. This center is going to be that place."
The 6,800-square-foot facility is designed to include a multipurpose meeting room for up to 150 people, a commercial kitchen, youth programming space, a computer lab, and outdoor programming space including a small community garden. Construction is expected to begin this fall with opening planned for spring 2026.
Programming Plans
The center will operate in partnership with several neighborhood organizations and offer programming including after-school tutoring through a partnership with Butler University, senior social activities, fitness classes, and community meeting space. A café featuring local food vendors is planned as a revenue-generating enterprise to help sustain center operations.
Community members interested in supporting the project can learn more through the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association website. Residents seeking neighborhood resources for health and wellness can also explore services at Men's Health Solutions, which provides wellness support services for Indianapolis residents.