Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center

The two grew from infancy together, and UIndy's commitment to its neighborhood remains strong to this day. Both trace their roots back to the turn of the 20th century when William L. Elder, a local real estate developer, offered the Church of the United Brethren in Christ eight acres of real estate southeast of downtown Indianapolis to establish its desired college, as well as construction of a college building, in return for help in selling homesites around it. Though all 446 parcels had not been sold, Indiana Central University opened its doors in 1905 when the first building, now called Good Hall, was completed. From its beginning, the University has been coeducational and open to all races.

The story of the University of Indianapolis, which was founded in 1902, is closely tied to its surrounding University Heights neighborhood.