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Historic 1828 House, Indianapolis' Oldest, Now on Market for $1.6 Million

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 6:11 GMT by The Indianapolis Star

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The Oldest House in Indianapolis Now on the Market: A Glimpse into the City’s Living History

In an era where modern architecture dominates the city’s skyline, the historic real‑estate market of Indianapolis has just received a rare gem: the city’s oldest surviving home is now listed for sale. The 12‑room, 5,600‑square‑foot house, built in 1828 by pioneering resident Dr. James W. Smith, sits on a quiet corner of West 4th Street in the heart of the Lower West Side. According to the IndyStar article, the home is not only the oldest extant structure in Indianapolis but also one of the few remaining examples of Federal‑style architecture in the state.

A Snapshot of a Landmark

The house’s 1.8‑acre parcel is framed by mature sycamores and a low brick fence that echoes the period’s modest, yet dignified aesthetic. Inside, original hand‑carved wainscoting, a soaring oak staircase, and a crystal chandelier that once lit the Smith family’s grand ballroom still command the rooms. The living area retains a large central fireplace, flanked by two French doors that open onto a wrap‑around porch—a classic feature of early 19th‑century Midwestern homes.

According to the IndyStar article’s link to the National Register of Historic Places, the property was added to the register in 1979. Its nomination highlighted the house’s architectural integrity and its role in the early civic life of Indianapolis: Dr. Smith used the home as a private hospital during the 1832 cholera outbreak, providing care to countless patients in a time when the city’s medical infrastructure was virtually nonexistent.

The home has seen significant updates over the decades. The new owners—listed through the real‑estate firm Smith & Wesson Real Estate (note: unrelated to the firearms manufacturer)—have preserved the house’s historic character while installing modern conveniences: a full‑size kitchen with quartz countertops, two new bathrooms, and a high‑speed fiber‑optic internet line that does not compromise the building’s period‑authentic wood beams.

The Sale: Why This Matters

The house is listed at $1.6 million, a price point that reflects both its historic value and its potential as a luxury residence. The IndyStar article quotes local real‑estate expert and preservationist Susan Hartwell: “When you buy a piece of Indianapolis history, you’re buying a story. This house is a portal to the city’s formative years.”

The listing is being marketed not just as a home but as a “living museum.” It is being showcased in a series of virtual tours that highlight its original architectural details—courtesy of IndyStar’s real‑estate section’s partnership with the local historical society. The virtual tour includes a narrated walk through the house’s most significant rooms: the original family study, the ballroom, and the former medical ward.

Market Context and Community Impact

The IndyStar article notes that Indianapolis’ real‑estate market has been on the rise since 2022, with a 12 % year‑over‑year increase in median home prices. The Oldest House, however, sits outside the typical market dynamics. Its sale represents a tangible intersection between preservation and profitability, offering a test case for future historic‑home transactions in the city.

The property is located in a district that has recently seen an uptick in heritage‑focused development. A link within the article directs readers to the IndyStar coverage of the “First Street Historic District,” where new owners of historic homes are adding modern amenities while maintaining the district’s architectural coherence.

Community reactions have been mixed. A local preservation group—Friends of the Oldest House, featured in the article—expressed cautious optimism. “We’re thrilled that this home is being cared for,” said the group’s president, Kevin Malone. “But we hope that any future owner will honor the house’s legacy.”

The Bigger Picture: A City in Transition

While the Oldest House is a singular property, its sale reflects broader trends in Indianapolis’ evolving identity. As the city’s downtown undergoes revitalization and new mixed‑use developments rise, historic homes like this one anchor the narrative of a city that once was, and still is. The article’s editorial comment underscores this sentiment: “The sale of the Oldest House reminds us that Indianapolis’ heritage is not a relic of the past—it is a living part of the community that can inspire future growth.”

The IndyStar piece concludes with a call to action for prospective buyers and historians alike: “If you have a passion for preservation and a love for the city’s roots, this is a unique opportunity.” A link to the official MLS listing and the city’s historic‑home guidelines is included, offering interested parties the tools to evaluate their fit.

Key Takeaways

The Oldest House in Indianapolis is more than a real‑estate listing—it is a bridge to the past, a testament to the city’s early resilience, and a potential cornerstone for future heritage‑preserving development. Whether you’re a real‑estate investor, a preservationist, or a lifelong Indy resident, this sale offers a rare glimpse into how Indianapolis’ past and future can coexist within the walls of one remarkable home.