Local historian pushing for reuse of former School 86

INDIANAPOLIS — A local historian is working to help preserve a historic school building in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood.

Butler University now owns the former School 86 as it sits directly next to Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Ed Fujawa has been studying its rich history and pushing for the building to be repurposed into something else.

The previous IPS school was built in the 1930s and purchased by the college in the late 1990s.
They leased the space to the Indiana International School until 2022.

“There’s still a lot of alumni who live around here and they have very fond memories of the school, and would like to see it, you know, have a second life,” said Fujawa.

While the building sits empty now, residents in the area believe it is still an anchor institution.

During the 1970s IPS integration lawsuit, a judge noted School 86 was the only elementary school to meet de-segregation standards.

“The neighborhood has always been very multicultural and integrated, and the school was kind of an embodiment of that,” said Fujawa.

There are no plans to tear the building down. However, he created a petition for those wanting to see the building be adapted for reuse.

So far, he’s gotten around 115 signatures.

People are also able to share their thoughts on how they would like to see the building used.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Butler President James Danko, and he’s been very responsive and assures me that they don’t have any immediate plans for the building,” said Marsh Davis, the president of Indiana Landmarks.

Indiana Landmarks is not directly involved in Fujawa’s pursuit but sees potential for the space.
The nonprofit has transformed several buildings across the state, including schools.

“Just this past Monday, a developer colleague of mine, thanks to the University, was able to tour the building to explore the possibilities for use as a residential structure,” said Davis

Butler said they’re talking with nearby residents and are partnering with the neighborhood association to host listening sessions this year.

To learn more about the history of the building, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.