Briggs Flats
550 Fletcher Avenue
1893
One of the more imposing structures in the district, Briggs Flats is the most prominent of the handful of apartment buildings in Fletcher Place. The massive arched floor openings are typical elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The three story red brick structure has terra cotta detailing along the cornice, gable ends and at the apex of the gable. Rock faced limestone lintels support the second and third level trabeated openings. Shed dormers protrude on either side of the gabled roof.
Briggs Flats was built as an investment property, probably by Tarquinia Voss. Voss was a wealthy woman who built speculative housing in several areas, including the Old Northside and Fletcher Place. The building is currently vacant, and vandals have taken a toll. It has been identified as a preservation problem, but it has great potential for a sensitive adaptive reuse.
Fletcher Place Historic Area Preservation Plan, 1980
Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Image Collection
