Realty Check: Colorful Fountain Square

“Funky. Artsy. Retro. Anything but … square.” That’s how Discover Fountain Square describes the beloved neighborhood. With no shortage of trendy restaurants, great bars, local shops, and street fairs, its continued rise in popularity isn’t a surprise to anyone. While new, modern construction isn’t slowing down, older homes in the area are being renovated and sold at affordable prices for young professionals moving into the vibrant community. We’ve rounded up three colorful, cozy cottages currently for sale (all clocking in around 1,500 square feet or less).

With a cheerful, two-tone blue exterior and salmon accents, this 1885 home received an extensive interior renovation that transformed it into a bright, sleek space. For the current owners, it was important not to lose sight of the home’s Old World charm. Stained-glass transom windows are a delightful surprise in the open living room. “It’s the best of both worlds,” the owners explain, “very convenient for a person who likes a move-in-ready space while maintaining a subtle nod to the past.”

In reimagining the floor plan, space was maximized to provide each of the two bedrooms with its own full bathroom and walk-in closet, thus giving a suite feel to each room. This design element makes it a great choice for roommates or a small family. An additional half-bath rounds out the 1,051 square feet of living space. You’ll also find smart home features like a Nest thermostat, smart lights, and the added security of a video doorbell. With a spacious backyard and all the delights of Fountain Square only a few blocks away, your options for fresh air and great food are limitless. 

Want to buy it?
Address: 1602 Lexington Ave.
Cost: $249,900
Agent: Chanda Johnson, 317-513-1101, Plat Collective

There’s something effervescent and welcoming about a bright yellow door. Pair that with sky-blue siding, and you’ve got a house that mirrors a sunny day (plus, the house next door is a glorious goldenrod, so these two form a dynamic curb-appeal duo). Built in 1875, the home has undergone a total renovation and shows no sign of its age. Coming in at just over 1,500 square feet, with two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms, the layout has been maximized to provide a light, airy feel. The open living room flows into a whitewashed kitchen, with sleek tile, industrial lighting, and new appliances. Both front and back yards are fully fenced, providing plenty of play space for kids or four-legged friends. If you choose to stay in, there’s a front porch and back deck to enjoy at your leisure, or stretch your legs for a five-minute walk into the heart of Fountain Square.

Want to buy it?
Address: 1526 Hoyt Ave.
Cost: $207,900
Agent: Edward Flecker Jr., 317-361-5031, Flecker Realty Group

Thanks to a meticulous redesign, it’s hard to believe that this stylish, natural light–filled cottage clocks in at 850 square feet. The owners’ goal was to make it feel more spacious, and they were successful. With a navy blue exterior, seafoam-green door, and crisp white trim, its curb appeal draws you in immediately. “The home is an incredible use of small space to achieve a big, spacious feel,” the owners say. They focused on opening up the living room and kitchen to maximize the footprint, and achieve a “harmonic flow of energy throughout the house.” Another important item was designing two full bathrooms to provide both functionality and privacy, while remaining aesthetically sleek (think beautiful tilework and handsome floating vanities). Two bedrooms complete the room count.

A tasteful mix of lighting in the front part of the house adds unique, layered interest. Sconces are placed along the living room wall and continue down the hallway, while the kitchen is brightened by pendants and track lighting.  Two sets of sliding doors open onto the deck that runs parallel alongside the house and wash the space in sunlight. When the weather is warm, the deck acts as an extension of the living place and provides easy access to the large backyard for cookouts and cornhole. The owners have commissioned local artists Gordon Strain and Greg Potter to paint a mural on the back of the building that faces the home across the alley. The owners explain, “While that view is not currently a strength, the new mural will bring life to the neighborhood and joy into the living room of the new homeowners. It will feel like you’re living in an urban oasis.”

Want to buy it?
Address: 1118 Churchman Ave.
Price: $223,000
Agent: Stefan Bean, (317) 507-9552, Plat Collective