Flanner House holds ribbon-cutting for new homeownership program
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Flanner House is keeping a century-old tradition alive.
On Wednesday, the first renovated home was unveiled under its new homeownership program. It’s a modern twist to the home-building program on which the agency was founded.
With gentrification inching further into this community on the near-northwest side, the new homeowner said it’s important to keep these properties in the community for the people who’ve called it home for generations. But, owning this home is also a chance to show her children that you can reach your goals.
This moment is one Ivy Green earned. “I’m home finally. It took us a minute to get here, but we are here.”
Like so many, homeownership seemed out of reach until last year. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided she wanted a home for herself and her girls. Having a long connection to the Flanner House, she was one of the first to learn about the new homeownership program.
“When I first walked in and I did the first walk-through, you know, you have to feel something when you go, and I felt this,” Green said. “I was like ‘I like this. It has potential.’ It’s not what I wanted to be, but it can get there.”
With gentrification concerns growing, homeownership means a bit more to Green. “But really we need to bring this back. This is ours.”
For six months, Monavation General Contractors has been hard at work transforming the house built in 1910 into a home for Green and her girls.
Chris Jennings, Flanner House program director, said, “I have goosebumps considering where we started and where this house is today.”
Brandon Cosby, Flanner House executive director, pulled from the past in getting the homeownership program going with help from lenders at Chicago-based Lakecity Bank. Cosby said, “We wanted to start this program to give renters who’ve been a part of this neighborhood and community a permanent stake in this community.”
Cosby says the 110-year home has weathered the storm. Being able to revitalize the house bring it back to life for a family who’s always been part of the community is invaluable, he says.