Woodruff Place

Woodruff Place is a historically designated neighborhood on the east side of Indianapolis, recognized as the city’s first suburb. Designed in the early 1870s by civil engineer James Orton Woodruff, the neighborhood was developed with a park-like layout, complete with broad boulevard drives, grassy esplanades, ornate fountains, and decorative statuary. Today, Woodruff Place remains an architecturally distinctive and active community. Its signature fountains and urns still line the esplanades, and the restored Town Hall continues to serve as a gathering space for residents. Annual events like the June Flea Market and biennial Home Tour showcase the neighborhood’s history and community spirit. With easy access to downtown Indianapolis and a strong preservation plan in place, Woodruff Place offers a unique blend of historic character and urban connectivity.

The neighborhood experienced its peak growth between 1898 and 1910, with homes reflecting a wide variety of design trends of that era. Over time, Woodruff Place went through periods of decline, particularly after World War I and during the Great Depression, as maintaining large residences became difficult. Many homes were divided into apartments, and the community eventually lost its status as an incorporated town in 1962. However, renewed efforts in the 1970s helped preserve its historic character, aided by local organizations and residents committed to restoration and maintenance. The neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and received local historic designation in 2001.