History

History of School 80

The School 80 Condominiums are located in the heart of Broad Ripple. The building can be found just off of Broad Ripple Avenue between Guilford and Winthrop Avenues with 62nd St. to the south. The building was built in 1932 and was used as a school house for many years. Each unit has its own charm and the building has such unique character.

Originally rentals, the 31 units in School 80 became condos in 1996. The building retains many features that give away its educational past, from the original terrazzo floors in the hall to the high windows. What was once the gymnasium has now been converted into two to three condominiums.

 History of Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple Village is the longest established of seven cultural districts in Indianapolis. Located six miles north of downtown, the Broad Ripple was established in 1836 by Jacob Coil on the banks of the White River is the only district located outside of the downtown area. Coil named this area Broad Ripple because the “ripple in the river at this point was the largest and widest in the country.” So large, in fact, that it is said that only one man, Isaac Simpson, could throw a stone across it. Local settlers in the area prior to 1837 called the area “Ripple” or “Riffle.”

The Broad Ripple Village neighborhood of nearly 17,000 residents embraces its socially, economically, and ethnically diverse reputation. Not only does the Village’s unofficial motto “we’re always open if you are” refer to the inclusive nature of the neighborhood, but it also literally speaks to the fact that numerous Broad Ripple bars and nightspots remain open as late as 3 a.m. In addition, locally owned pubs and restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops — not to mention the White River Canal and greenways like the Monon Trail — make the Village an exciting place for all to explore.

From the opening of the White City Amusement Park (1906) and The Vogue (1938) to the grand opening of the Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Coil Apartments (2017), Broad Ripple has long been known as a vibrant center tucked in “at the head of the canal.” For more than 180 years, locals have had a role in making this dynamic and super unique cultural district what it is today.

Broad Ripple’s position as a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s youth culture and nightlife is a result of its thriving bar scene and the nearby presence of Butler University. The neighborhood is home to many of Indianapolis’s locally-owned restaurants, independent art galleries, private boutiques and specialty shops, and the popular Monon Trail. Within a few city blocks, one can find a wide variety of food, including Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, Cajun, Middle Eastern, French, English, Japanese, and traditional American fare and four independent microbreweries. Entertainment offerings include multiple venues for live music, showcasing local artists and nationally touring acts in genres such as rock, hip hop, country, and jazz.