For over 45 years and counting, Schmidt Associates has proudly supported the development of Midtown neighborhoods, and our portfolio further reflects it. This area focuses on the midpoint of Illinois and 38^th Streets and works to coordinate efforts from the Crown Hill, Butler-Tarkington, North Meridian Historic District, Meridian Kessler, and Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhoods. Together, these neighborhoods have worked to develop the Maple Crossing Great Places 2020 effort, and they have been collaborating to create a more walkable, accessible area to improve Indianapolis and its quality of life. Originally known as Maple Road for the trees that lined this boulevard, the street has struggled with connectivity, but a widespread effort is underway to change that.

Schmidt Associates employees practice servant leadership, and it has been a pleasure being part of the area’s investment from office and facility renovations to conducting studies to determine future building uses to help more Indy Midtown groups thrive. Here is a sampling of the firm’s Indy Midtown project portfolio.

Indiana Youth Group – Completed December 2017

The Indiana Youth Group (IYG) provides a place of community, safety, and trust for LGBTQ+ youth from age 12 and adults through age 24 and their allies. After raising $2.6M in 2016 to purchase a space at 37th and Meridian Streets, IYG worked with Schmidt Associates on the design of their Midtown building that offers free weekly programming and events. A classroom and art room, a flexible gathering room for social and fundraising events, an exterior courtyard space, and a residential kitchen used to teach basic life skills and host meals for LGBTQ+ youth make up the floorplan. Also included are the IYG staff offices and quiet counseling rooms.

“What truly stood out to me about Schmidt Associates was how they amplified our voice and lent support before, during, and after our building was completed,” said IYG Chief Executive Officer Chris Paulsen. “By listening to our needs and being a tremendous resource, they saved us money and helped us design a flexible space that has served us well. I often recommend Schmidt Associates because they are not only great designers, but they’re also in the business of building relationships. In the nonprofit world, this is very important.”

Damien Center – 2019 to present

Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization and leads the effort to prevent the spread of HIV. The Center offers a one-stop-shop model of care that includes preventive, supportive, and medical services that empowers people in central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity so they may live abundant and productive lives. Damien Center believes strives to be a safe and welcoming place so that no barriers separate people from the services they need to prolong and enhance their lives. Currently, Schmidt Associates is conducting a feasibility study to help the organization determine future uses for their existing buildings, including a satellite clinic at 39th and Meridian Street for patients unable to travel to the Washington Street campus. The firm is also working with leadership to revitalize the historic Zonie’s Closet building with strong ties to the local LGBTQ+ community at the corner of Washington Street and Arsenal Avenue. When completed, the building will house a coffee shop, workforce training center, and co-working space.

Firefly Children & Family Alliance – 2005 to present

Firefly Children & Family Alliance serves at-risk families throughout Indiana, fulfilling a range of needs, from foster care licensing, food and clothing drives, and emergency childcare. In 2021, Schmidt Associates completed an office renovation of the organization’s building at 36th and Meridian Streets that includes family counseling spaces, offices, hoteling stations for staff,  a lobby, and play structure for children. The firm also worked to update the front canopy and assisted in rebranding efforts when the group’s name was officially changed from the Children’s Bureau to Firefly Children and Family Alliance in 2021. Additional work continues to support the Alliance’s mission.

“Throughout all of the projects I have worked on with Schmidt Associates since 2013, one of my favorite things has been knowing that we’re partners, and that the team cares deeply about what we do as an organization, said Firefly Children and Family Alliance Chief Executive Officer, Tina M. Cloer. “They are amazing designers, communicators, and project managers who always provide great advice while acting as our advocate. Our experience has always been positive, and I appreciate how they listen to our needs and make them centric to the plans that are designed.”

Mid North Food Pantry – 2022 to present
Located at 33rd and Meridian Street in the basement if the Trinity Outreach Center, the Mid-North Food Pantry enhances the health of Midtown neighborhoods by providing supplemental food and necessities for neighbors in need with dignity, compassion, and respect. Currently, Schmidt Associates is working with the Pantry’s leadership on a feasibility study that could result in construction of a stand-alone building in the Trinity Episcopal Church parking lot that will continue the mission and vision with increased capacity.

Shortridge High School – 2017 to present

Home of the International Baccalaureate and arts and humanities programs of the Indianapolis Public Schools district.(IPS). Originally known as Indianapolis High School, Shortridge High School opened in 1864 and is Indiana’s oldest free public high school. Since 2017, Schmidt Associates has worked with the district on designs for renovations, lighting, security, and parking. Out of 374 ranked, public high schools in Indiana, Shortridge was listed as the 130th best in 2022 by U.S. New and World Report.

As a full-service AEC firm committed to improving the health and vitality of neighborhoods and community organizations through collaborative initiatives, Schmidt Associates looks forward to continued partnerships within Midtown neighborhoods that will economically sustain Indianapolis for many years.