Meridian Street Foundation President Tom Shortridge is an Indiana native who returned home in the mid-2000s. He recently discussed his background and the non-profit group he leads.

"While I was born and raised in Indianapolis, I moved back here eight years ago from Plainfield, New Jersey where I lived for 24 years." While there, he was president of the Hillside Avenue Historic District, one of six historic districts in Plainfield, where back in the day, there were a variety of beautiful old homes built.

Coming full circle back here in Indianapolis, Shortridge says, "I was a board member of the Meridian Street Foundation for several years after returning to Indianapolis. In 2016, they asked me to become Treasurer. When the President's spot was vacated, I was asked to take over, but they needed an individual (Ed Free who was eventually named) to succeed me as Treasurer before I assumed my current duties as President."

"We are not really a neighborhood association, rather we are geared more toward preservation of the historical nature of the area. There are a big mix of residential lots where one can see a variety of beautiful architecture. Also included in the MSF district is Tarkington Tower. On Saturday, March 4, we had a membership event at the old Governor's Mansion at 4343 N. Meridian Street. Its purpose was to give people a chance to get to know each other and keep a voice in the community. Many years ago, the mansion had some repair and maintenance issues that needed addressing, now the current owners, Dr. John and Elaine Klein, have made improvements and restorations to keep its historical presence," he said.

In addition to historical land use issues, Shortridge mentioned some of the Foundation's other work: "One of the things the MSF does annually with help from donations from its members is decorate the lamp posts lining Meridian Street from 40th Street north to Westfield Boulevard with greenery and bows during the holidays. They also have a Christmas tree lighting at Alice Carter Place Park in December."

Area resident Allison Madden said, "My family and I live on Meridian Street - we bought our southern colonial home three years ago. My British heritage lends an appreciation for great architecture, mature gardens and our link to the past. I was invited to join the Board of Directors of MSF last December and was excited to be part of the team that has been influential in preserving the Meridian Street historic corridor."

A past neighborhood event that was revived in recent years is MSF's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year, the 16th hunt, was Saturday, April 15 on the grounds on the old Governor's Mansion, again at 4343 N. Meridian. While this event is reserved exclusively for MSF members, there are opportunities to attend other MSF calendar events to learn more at: www.meridianstreetfoundation.net.

MSF Board Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, located at 5500 N. Meridian Street in the lower level in the library. Neighbors and interested individuals are welcome to attend.

Shortridge's full time job involves selling and licensing public record property data from country office assessor records for Black Knight Financial Services. There are 3,141 counties and over 150 million properties ranging from commercial, residential and retail to office and vacant land, and all are part of the database that Black Knight sells out to the market.

Driving or walking down Indianapolis' most historical corridor provides a unique opportunity to view preserved architecture made possible, in part, by the Meridian Street Foundation.