Fletcher Place is arguably one of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Part of what makes it great is its walkability and the intersection of residential homes and businesses that are fully integrated into the community. We want to add one more business to that community.

The Old Danish Church at 701 E McCarty St. has been part of the Fletcher Place neighborhood for 150 years. We want to keep it part of this vibrant community. The building is currently zoned for residential (despite previous mixed-used zoning before it was recently sold) and the city would like to see it used as apartments. But we think this building should be open and available to the entire community. That's why we want to turn it into a cafe and community center.

Lille Bønne Community Cafe

Lille Bønne (Little Bean in Danish) is our dream of a community cafe, being built by long-time Fletcher Place residents Abby Reckard and Will Lonnemann. We want to revitalize this building and create a space where all can gather to meet, eat, work, and play. Think of it as a community living room.

We'll have espresso drinks (with beans sourced by our friends at Calvin Fletcher), fresh smoothies, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The space is bright and beautiful and the perfect spot to post up and work for the day, meet friends for lunch, or have a coffee and read a book.

We're planning on converting the altar space into a mixed-use studio for yoga classes, art classes, book readings, live music, and more.

The city planning committee is currently opposed to this use for the space. However, with enough community support, we believe we can get this project approved in a zoning variance hearing. The city's concerns are with 1) a non-residential use of the space and 2) a lack of parking nearby. We believe this beautiful historic building should be shared with the whole neighborhood, not just a handful of residents. And as residents of this block in Fletcher Place, we know first-hand that there is plenty of parking nearby on McCarty St. and Virginia Ave. And they call it a walkable neighborhood for a reason!

How Can You Help?

If you would like to see Lille Bønne Community Cafe become a reality in Fletcher Place, please sign this petition and share it with your friends and neighbors. We love this neighborhood with all our hearts and want to create something that will help continue to foster the vibrant community that's here.

For more information, check out lillebonneindy.com, take a look at the Lille Bønne Operations Plan, or view parking data for the neighborhood.