Though Mayor Henderson was defeated, we’re still keeping an eye on seven buildings in Greenwood’s historic commercial district to make sure his successor doesn’t follow through on his plans to tear down the buildings and replace them with replicas that mimic the historic architecture.

Downtown Greenwood

Johnson County

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Nearly a quarter of downtown Greenwood’s historic commercial district could be razed and replaced with new buildings that imitate the vintage ones. Former mayor Charles Henderson wanted to acquire and demolish seven commercial buildings near the intersection of Main Street and Madison Avenue. He planned to widen the street and redevelop the site with architecture that mimics the Italianate-style and Classical Revival-style buildings he proposes to tear down.

The nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century buildings remain in good condition, housing several businesses. The Mayor’s plan is an issue in the primary election, where three Republicans vying with the long-term incumbent oppose the demolition.

“Greenwood has become defined more by its sprawl and mall than by its neighborhoods and downtown,” says Mark Dollase, Indiana Landmarks Vice President of Preservation Services. “Retaining these buildings is key to maintaining an individual character for the community. Rather than creating new structures that imitate the original, why not hang onto the real thing?”

For more information contact:

Mark Dollase

Indiana Landmarks’ VP of Preservation Services

mdollase@indianalandmarks.org 

Rebecca Smith

Community Preservation Specialist

rsmith@indianalandmarks.org

both at 317-639-4534

Jennifer Hollingshead

Local preservationist

317-889-3252

jenniferhollingshead@gmail.com