In the process of relocating to Indianapolis in 2001, Steve and Jody Rose toured beautiful homes in Carmel and Fishers, but they never felt that these communities were a perfect fit.

Driving home in rush-hour traffic one evening, Steve decided to look for a northside shortcut. Winding through the side streets of Broad Ripple, he realized this was the area they should have been exploring all along. Having lived in a historic part of Philadelphia, the Roses were pleased to stumble upon Broad Ripple.

The 1926 two-story home they purchased has undergone family-friendly renovations to make the space perfect for the Roses and their sons, Isaac and Nate. Choosing the urban neighborhood proved to be a great decision all around.

“We park the car for the weekend, walk to friends’, for entertainment or a great place to eat,” Steve said. “It’s a great little neighborhood where people look out for one another.”

Home, yard meet family needs

The Rose’s home sits on its lot with the front door on the side. Double French doors add character to the street-facing side of the house. Inside, between the French doors, a beautiful fireplace boasts its original mantle.

Steve, an engineer, and Jody, an environmental consultant, have worked hard to maintain the home’s original lines and focal points. The front room features built-in shelves and a window seat that mimics another one in the second-floor master bedroom.

Throughout the home, Steve’s original artwork is on display. Detailed drawings of the Rose boys take center stage above the mantle. Nearby is an illustration of Santa, and the guest room is home to an oil painting Steve did in high school.

Before the Roses moved in, the kitchen had been remodeled, with a small bathroom removed to make the space larger. An addition includes a wide, sunny family room overlooking the long back yard. The family spends a lot of time in this room, enjoying a collection of board games.

“We tackled the exterior projects first because we are outdoor people,” Jody said. “We’ve added the deck and have enjoyed doing the landscaping ourselves. Steve built a playhouse for the boys that doubles as a shed.”

Cool, shady spots create a sense of place for neighbors and friends to gather.

The Roses were painting their recently renovated front porch when they were invited to participate in the Broad Ripple Historic Homes Tour.

“The original porch had a flat tin roof,” Steve said. “We added the columns, railing and hip roof to be consistent with the house. The columns carry the same theme that surrounds the interior fireplace.”

The front porch now serves as another gathering place, perfect for relaxing and sharing conversation at the end of the day.