Indianapolis, IN, October 29, 2026 —

The future of the former Abraham Lincoln Public School #18, a building more than 120 years old in Indianapolis’ Bates-Hendricks neighborhood, is under discussion as demolition is considered. The possibility has drawn differing views from people who point to problems at the property and those who want the historic structure preserved.

Some residents and the building’s owner, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, cite vandalism, trespassing and the structure’s disrepair as reasons to pursue demolition. The stated aim is to attract new development, though details about what that development might involve were not provided.

Others advocate keeping the building, emphasizing its historic character and the memories associated with it. The summary of the discussion does not identify those residents or describe specific preservation proposals, so the scope of support for either position is not clear.

Demolition is being considered, but no final decision is reported. Information about a timeline, permits, inspections, or any formal approval was not provided. The summary also does not specify what would happen to the property if the building were demolished, or whether alternatives to demolition have been proposed.

The debate centers on competing priorities: addressing the reported problems at the site and seeking new development, while weighing the value some residents place on retaining a historic neighborhood structure. Further details about the decision-making process and next steps were not included in the information available.


Story summarized from the original created by Elizabeth Gabriel on mirrorindy.org, see more information here.

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