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.
Updates
October 4, 2023
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people want to see this old church become a neighborhood living room. This movement belongs entirely to the residents who believe in the potential of this space as much as we do.
31 Comments
This building is part of my daily walk. Would love for it to be a useful community center!
This neighborhood is one of my favorite places to visit when I come see my friends in Indianapolis, and I think a space like this is an amazing idea! Approving the zoning change would demonstrate a commitment to creative communal opportunities and an appreciation for people’s desire for more shared spaces in this modern world.
What a great addition to the neighborhood AND it’s owned and operated by neighborhood residents.
Yes!!! This is what the neighborhood needs, and this gorgeous, quirky space should belong and be accessible to the community, not just a few select renters.
I’m a very close neighbor and I love the idea! This corner has been a mess for years. Let modernize and clean it up!
Having a place to gather, share thoughts and opinions, will do wonders for our ability to span divisions. Get past the sound bites and get into conversation!
You go girl!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
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.
Updates
October 4, 2023
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people want to see this old church become a neighborhood living room. This movement belongs entirely to the residents who believe in the potential of this space as much as we do.
31 Comments
Indy doesn't need more apartments and mixed living buildings as they turn into predatory rentals or out price the locals. We need more community space and areas where people can be part of a community, share ideas and learn from each other. Let this historic gathering place be just that, a gathering place for the community to uplift each other and make the world a better place.
This building is part of my daily walk. Would love for it to be a useful community center!
This neighborhood is one of my favorite places to visit when I come see my friends in Indianapolis, and I think a space like this is an amazing idea! Approving the zoning change would demonstrate a commitment to creative communal opportunities and an appreciation for people’s desire for more shared spaces in this modern world.
What a great addition to the neighborhood AND it’s owned and operated by neighborhood residents.
Yes!!! This is what the neighborhood needs, and this gorgeous, quirky space should belong and be accessible to the community, not just a few select renters.
I’m a very close neighbor and I love the idea! This corner has been a mess for years. Let modernize and clean it up!
Having a place to gather, share thoughts and opinions, will do wonders for our ability to span divisions. Get past the sound bites and get into conversation!
You go girl!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Indy doesn't need more apartments and mixed living buildings as they turn into predatory rentals or out price the locals. We need more community space and areas where people can be part of a community, share ideas and learn from each other. Let this historic gathering place be just that, a gathering place for the community to uplift each other and make the world a better place.