Centennial Photo of the Week - Moving Up and Moving Out

Promotional photos like this one inspired
U.S. military men and women returning home from
Germany and Japan to invest in a new home with funds
collected through the G.I. Bill. 

"Soldiers were returning home, and aided by G.I. loans, they purchased homes, returned to work and started young families in new, larger neighborhoods. There was a sudden housing shortage across the nation. A builder by the name of William J. Levitt attempted to answer this demand by constructing a number of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania neighborhoods, working with prefabricated materials and a limited number of home models. These typically were ranch homes that had three bedrooms, an "open-plan" living room, dining room, entrance hall, eat-in kitchen and one bathroom. These homes typically ranged in price from $10,000 to $15,000. The home went up quickly and filled up quickly. Soon the model for such neighborhoods, known at "Levittowns," spread across the nation, including central Indiana. New subdivisions in Indianapolis quickly expanded the city limits with developments north and west of the White River, along Allisonville Road and east to Fort Benjamin Harrison, east and west Washington Street about four miles from the city center and along the main southern arteries." -- Excerpt from "REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years" by Todd Gould (Chapter 6)

Visit www.mibor100.com to get your copy of the book today!

Let’s again become transportation leaders...

Indy Connect Day was Aug. 17 at the Indiana State Fair. Visitors could experience the future of Central Indiana transportation through stations that included bus rapid transit, light rail and commuter rail. The crowds responded enthusiastically.

Mass transit is a hot topic in Central Indiana. The current Indy Connect comprehensive transportation plan includes a regional bus and rail network, roadway improvements, and bike and pedestrian walkways.

In 2012, REALTORS® in Central Indiana are celebrating their centennial anniversary. During this milestone, we are reflecting on the changes we've witnessed in the real estate industry and Central Indiana’s evolution during the past 100 years. The current momentum behind stronger transit systems brings to mind that Indianapolis was once a regional transportation hub, home to America’s first Union Station. Now, the station serves as a historic home to the Crowne Plaza hotel and several restaurants. A noble use certainly, but one that reminds us that — as a region — we are no longer among the transportation innovators. Where we were once a leader, we’re left lagging behind other major cities that have modernized and expanded their transit systems.

As transit supporters across the state are rallying state lawmakers and officials, we must not forget that what comes next — the public referendum — will seal the deal, which is why the Indy Connect Day was so important.

Residents are realizing that transit is an essential solution to our economic, energy and environmental challenges. Attitudes in Indiana, once the nation’s top auto producer, are shifting toward alternative transportation options.

As a REALTOR®, I know the huge impact transportation has on real estate and communities. In talking to potential homebuyers, I’m aware of the concerns for connectivity. Potential homebuyers want to be assured that they’ll have easy access to work, shops and restaurants and entertainment. Transit would set our region up for neighborhood growth and development and undoubtedly make Indianapolis and our entire region more livable.

John Creamer

Past President, Co-Chair, Metropolitan Board of REALTORS® Centennial History Council

(Published in The Indianapolis Star, 8.21.12)