A History of the Near Eastside

Neighborhood Fellowship serves the Near Eastside Community of Indianapolis. This area is a densely-populated cluster of neighborhoods that, not unlike other center city communities, was hit hard over the past few decades with the effects of suburban flight and urban disinvestment.   The 1970s were a time of particular disruption with the construction of the interstate system which destroyed significant housing stock, businesses, and many key schools and churches. As an example, about one out of every five existing homes is vacant, boarded up, or in major disrepair.   Abandoned houses are unsightly and unseemly disruptions of our community's vision for a healthy neighborhood. They lower property values, attract crime, and contribute to further blight.

While the near eastside has suffered from the ills of many economic forces, there remain tremendous assets within the community.   Along with the historic buildings and neighborhoods, the eastside prides itself in a long history of strong leaders, institutions, and associations that have stayed the course and been willing to work together to overcome the barriers facing our community.