Finding Community at North End
Writer / Karyl Davis
Photography Provided
Have you noticed the new, beautiful community on the north side of Smokey Row Road, just north of the Arts & Design District in downtown Carmel? This beautiful mix of custom homes, townhomes, apartments and commercial space is the recent brainchild of Old Town Companies. At a quick glance, this community may look similar to other developments going up throughout the
north side of Indianapolis, but North End is quite unique. In addition to luxury home customization options, a multitude of amenities, an urban farm, a community pool and a farm-to-table restaurant, this integrated community was built with a direct focus on inclusion.
Gone are the days when people knew their neighbors, checked in on each other from time to time, and enjoyed getting together for a block party or impromptu potluck dinner. Although these notions may seem dated or nostalgic, the North End development seeks to modernize true community through care of neighbor.
Wanting to make a real difference in the lives of others, Old Town Companies, in partnership with RDOOR Housing Corporation and Village of Merici, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to deliver an innovative approach to services and housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, came together on creating the North End project. Through this collaboration, they were awarded funding through the Moving Forward 2020 state initiative to develop 40 attainable apartments designated for adults with disabilities. These apartments are interspersed throughout three multilevel apartment buildings within the larger North End community, creating true integration with all neighbors.
Another component of funding for this project incorporates advanced technologies with each apartment. For the 40 individuals with disabilities living in the North End community, utilizing emerging technologies customized to each person will become a way of life, and decrease the reliance on state-subsidized, in-person support.
It is true that most adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities do not drive, may be unemployed or underemployed, sometimes feel socially isolated, and need to rely on others from time to time. Old Town Companies understands these obstacles and established a welcoming, integrated community open to all.
With the current availability of affordable housing at a crisis level throughout the state, many families realize the significance of this project, especially located within the Carmel area. Molly Warmelink, mother to Michael, sums up the magnitude of the move as follows: “We are excited about him moving in. We will be sad to not have him at home anymore, but we realize this is his next step. The only way for him to grow is for him to be out on his own.”
Through the use of advanced technologies and support services, adults with disabilities are able to live independently and enjoy being on their own within the greater community.
For more information about this community, email Hannah Harless, community and technology support coordinator, at hannahharless@villgeofmerici.org.
(Sidebar):
The team involved with this project is looking for passionate and dedicated people who want to make a difference working with adults with disabilities.
- Coaches (full-time and part-time paid positions)
- Volunteer drivers
- Employment opportunities
Contact Michelle Harker at 317-292-9408; michelleharker@villageofmerici.org.
