Main Street Status
We’re super excited to share that Irvington has officially joined the Indiana Main Streets Program! We’re starting off in the OCRA Downtown Affiliates Network and aiming for official Main Streets designation in a year. This is a big deal because it connects us to the national Main Streets network, making us the first neighborhood in Indianapolis to achieve this honor!
Irvington has been a vibrant community since 1870, originally planned as an independent town even after being annexed by Indianapolis in 1902. We’re proud of our history, from hosting Butler University to being the largest district in Marion County on the National Register of Historic Places.
At the Irvington Development Organization, we take pride in our vibrant history and community spirit! Once home to Butler University from 1875 to 1928, Irvington has always been a place for arts and culture leaders to thrive. In 1987, we became the largest district in Marion County to join the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2006, much of our community earned protection through the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.
Today, Irvington is a lively community filled with fantastic restaurants, charming retail shops, beautiful parks, and scenic trails. Our quaint main street along East Washington St. perfectly blends that small-town charm with a dynamic urban vibe. Plus, we’re famous for hosting one of the largest and most beloved Halloween Festivals in the country every October, culminating in the Irvington Halloween Street Fair, which drew over 80,000 visitors in 2022.
Join IDO
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