IndyGov
Department of Metropolitan Development, City of Indianapolis
Historic Preservation

 How is a District Designated?
 Historic Districts
 Chatham-Arch and Massachusetts Avenue
 Fletcher Place
 Fountain Square
 Herron-Morton Place
 Irvington
 Lockefield Gardens
 Lockerbie Square
 The Old Northside
 St. Joseph
 Wholesale District
 Woodruff Place
 Conservation Districts
 Individual Properties
 Plans

Lockefield Gardens

Summary of History and Significance

The Lockefield Gardens apartment complex was a Public Works Administration (PWA) project built between 1935-38.   The intent was three-fold: it provided jobs in the construction industry, cleared an area of substandard housing and replaced it with new public housing.  It was exclusively for low-income blacks in Indianapolis. The design and plan provided residents with decent, safe, sanitary, and uncrowded dwellings at a low cost.  It incorporated accessible public features including: thirteen play areas, four larger playgrounds, an elementary school, shops, and an aesthetically landscaped mall.  Lockefield Gardens was a national example for public housing built thereafter.  The complex was closed in 1976, and a number of structures were demolished in the early 1980's.  Today, the only structures remaining are those along Blake Street.

Address Ranges

850-998 Indiana Ave. 601-999 Locke St. (odd numbers only)
901-999 W. 10th St. 
(odd numbers only)
820-936 W. North St. (odd numbers only)
600-912 Blake St. 818-936 W. Walnut St.
600-824 Johnston St. 
(even numbers only)

Pictures

Lockefield Gardens (1935-1938)

 
 

Last Updated: 8/8/2005 |  Print This Page | Email to Friend

 

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