INDIANAPOLIS — A historic neighborhood on Indianapolis' near east side is asking for help to keep its unique charm. This year, residents in Woodruff Place are once again raising money to restore several of the iconic fountains.
There are nine fountains in total and, since 2017, the Historic Woodruff Place Foundation has been working to restore six of the smaller ones.
“That’s what we are trying to do now is replace those six smaller fountains that were removed back in the '70s and put them back as close as we can get them to the way they were,” said Bill Longest, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1999.
In 2019, volunteers were able to repair the south fountain on Middle Drive. It sits right in front of Craig Bowen’s house, who previously took care of it.
“I was taking care of that fountain before the restoration and then the year after that. It was a lot of work,” Bowen said. “It’s a gorgeous, beautiful fountain.”
This year, the focus is on restoring the north fountain on West Drive. It will cost about $200,000 with a 17-foot statue that matches the original.
“We will put a seating area around there with benches. We are trying to make it a community gathering place,” Longest said.
Residents in Woodruff Place said these fountains aren’t just for the neighborhood, but rather the whole city.
“They provide a beautiful atmosphere that makes it like a park that’s like no other in the city,” Debbie Pidgeon said.
Woodruff Place is maintained solely by the residents who are all volunteers. That includes cleaning the fountains, fixing the lights and preserving the statues. There are about 250 homes in the neighborhood.
If you are interested in donating to the Historic Woodruff Place, you can mail check to the foundation at:
735 Woodruff Place East Drive
Indianapolis IN 46201
Donations may also be made online at www.woodruffplace.org. Click on DONATE and select the Foundation 501(c)(3) to channel the donation to the “Preserving Our Future campaign.” All donations are tax-deductible.