Estridge

During the Extreme Makeover Indianapolis build in April 2009, Paul Estridge, Jr., President of The Estridge Companies, committed to building not only a new home, but also, building transformation of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. At a Press Conference on a sunny April day, Paul Estridge announced that the closed, but once-thriving, IPS School 37 would be gifted to the neighborhood to serve as a much-needed Community Center. (READ MORE)

IPS School 37 - the NEW Martindale-Brightwood Community Center

After much work, that dream can now be a reality as the Indianapolis City County Council voted unanimously (29-0) to the transfer of the School 37 title from IPS to the Juvenile Court and allow for the development of the Community Center to begin.

It was a very inspiring setting as there were an estimated 75 members of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood in the audience while the 29 member City Council praised them for the dedication, commitment and foresight they have displayed in resurrecting this historical building from possible ruins. Four council members offered their personal support to help build this into a center that will help develop children on the front end versus trying to eliminate the behavioral repair on the back end. There were several accolades directed to Estridge by the sub-committee chair and the council members for bringing the spotlight back to the neighborhood and for partnering for the generation of a renewed vision of hope to this neighborhood. With signs waving in the air reading:

"Where community and family come together!

--- IPS 37----
Support community gathering in Martindale Brightwood”

The audience exploded into a resounding applause when the 29-0 vote was displayed. There is certainly a special energy that everyone has to see this 85-year old structure turn into a true community center. The new community center would not be a reality without the efforts of IPS, Juvenile Court, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Making Connections, Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation, and many others.

Read more about the April announcement of School 37 to Martindale-Brightwood on www.estridgeextremedream.com.

Photos of the NEW Community Center in Indianapolis:

- Photographs compliments of Angela R. Talley

Comments for IPS School 37 - the NEW Martindale-Brightwood Community Center

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by Rob Wagoner:: Well Done Estridge Companies! Your vision is going to be transformational for the neighborhood.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by Juana Clark:: Congratulations Martindale-Brightwood Community! God Bless the Estridge Companies for casting a vision, and keeping their word that they were going to be in the community long after the camera's and the national spotlight were gone! I'm proud to say the Estridge Company is in my community!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by Russ Newton:: This is an outstanding decision and positive movement for the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood and our city! I applaud Martindale-Brightwood, the Estridge Companies, and the City County Council. It is wonderful to see this historic structure renewed and serve its community again!