i-Made (Indiana Made) Muncie: Custom Fabricated Design-through-Production (ongoing)

Over the past three semesters, students and industry partners used “design-through-production” methods to prototype and assemble full-scale design solutions for area non-profits. Some of the products developed, fabricated, and constructed included benches and other structures for Minnetrista’s campus and farmers’ market. The students also redesigned the courtyard area at the MadJax location downtown. These improvements will benefit the entire community as Minnetrista and MadJax continue to play a central role in cultural enhancement for the City of Muncie.


Spring 2020 Semester

Faculty Mentor: Kevin Klinger
Department: Architecture
Community Partners: Minnetrista Cultural Center, MadJax, and Midwest Metals, and the Indiana Hardwood and Lumberman’s Association
Students: Craig AdamsJacob BurrisSchyler CerqueiraCaleb DavisTorey Dunn, Mitchell Geis, Jessica Franke James Harris, Nick Kiefer, Daniel KlemenJoseph Koslow, Scottie Manners, Rhiley McIntire, Al Mitchell, Austin Obermeyer, Emma OckenSteven PolchinskiLandon Underwood, Cole Walters, Olivia Zepp


Fall 2019 Semester

Faculty Mentor: Kevin Klinger
Department: Architecture
Community Partners: Indiana Hardwoods (IHLA), Midwest Metals, Minnetrista, Mobile Market

 

Spring 2017 Ball State Immersive Learning Projects

Ball State faculty, students, and community partners are working together this spring on a number of immersive learning projects in and around Muncie.

Abandoned Housing Policy Analysis
Community Partner:  Muncie Redevelopment Commission
Faculty Mentor: Chip Taylor, Department of Political Science

Advancing ecoREHAB Through Story and Strategy
Community Partner:  ecoREHAB of Muncie, Inc.
Faculty Mentors:  Kate Elliott, Department of Journalism; Paul Gestwicki; Department of Computer Science

Assessing Heat Leaks in the 8twelve Target District
Community Partner:  Muncie 8twelve Coalition
Faculty Mentor:  Jason Yang, Department of Geography

Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders:  Character and Leadership Development at the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie
Community Partner:  The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie
Faculty Mentor:  Peggy Fisher, Department of Communication Studies

Maring-Hunt Community Garden Pavilion
Community Partner:  Maring-Hunt Library, Thomas Park/Avondale Neighborhood Association
Faculty Mentor:  Pam Harwood, Department of Architecture

Minnetrista Neighborhood Action Plan
Community Partner:  Minnetrista Neighborhood Association
Faculty Mentor:  Lisa Dunaway, Department of Urban Planning

Rehabilitating Houses
Community Partner: Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity
Faculty Mentor: Janet Fick, Technology

Story Maps
from and for “South-of-the-River” Neighborhoods in Muncie
Community Partners:  Forest Park Neighborhood Association; Thomas/Avondale Neighborhood Association
Faculty Mentor:  Jörn Seemann, Department of Geography

Sustainable Food Production: Integrating Collaboration within the Community
Community Partner:  Muncie Food Hub
Faculty Mentor:  Gerry Waite, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies

May 09, 2015 – Neighborhood Clean-ups

Members of the Old West End, Thomas Park/Avondale,  Whitely, and Minnetrista Neighborhood Associations partnered with the Muncie Sanitary District to help clean-up their communities. The first date of the spring clean-ups was May 2nd. Volunteers helped pick up trash and debris alongside their neighbors. Thank you to all those who helped beautify the city as part of the spring neighborhood cleanups.

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My Collection | My Story

There is an exciting opportunity to participate in Minnetrista’s first community collection exhibit. My Collection | My Story will showcase local collections of a variety of items, ranging from Beanie Babies to rare coins. Minnetrista is asking for submissions from anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Blackford, Delaware, Henry, Grant, Jay, Madison, & Randolph counties. The end date for entries is March 15, 2015. For more information, please visit the collection entry page.

Minnetrista Neighborhood

Minnetrista header

About

Minnetrista Central is a welcoming neighborhood that offers a variety of amenities and is conveniently located at the heart of Muncie. Friendly neighbors, charming historical homes, and impressive tree-lined streets make living in this serene neighborhood a delight. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound: Walk or ride on the City’s two premier greenway trails that intersect our community and follow the scenic horseshoe bend of the White River. Hike through the nature area and explore the many manicured gardens at Minnetrista. And while you’re there, take advantage of the walkable distance to the local farmers market, experience world-class arts and cultural exhibits, and stand in the exact spot Bob Ross filmed The Joy of Painting. Take a selfie with the affectionately nicknamed “Chief Munsee,” give your five senses a whirl at the Delaware County Fair, and enjoy a 4th of July fireworks show from your front porch. All this and more can be found in Muncie’s hidden gem of a neighborhood.

History

llballThe five Ball brothers, Frank Clayton Ball, Edmund Burke Ball, Lucius Lorenzo Ball, William Charles Ball, and George Alexander Ball, moved to Muncie between 1888 and 1897 during this time of expansion and prosperity. In 1894, Frank, Edmund and George purchased approximately 30 acres of land on a bluff above the White River. The property was located north of the Muncie city limits and extended from Wheeling Pike to the Children’s Home near the intersection of Walnut and Granville Pikes and extending back several hundred feet. A boulevard was to be built along the bluff. When the Children’s Home moved to nearby Yorktown, Frank purchased that property. Family lore says that the Ball sisters, Lucina and Frances, selected the name Minnetrista for the land by joining the word “minne” for water and “trista” meaning gathering place. Here, between 1894 and 1907, the brothers constructed the homes in which they would live for the remainder of their lives. The wealth that they acquired through their enterprises allowed them to build impressive homes, which now comprise the Minnetrista Boulevard Historic District. The homes that were built in the surrounding area became part of what would be known as the Minnetrista neighborhood. This neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of large and small homes and a resident population of both homeowners and renters.

Neighborhood Association Meetings

The Minnetrista Neighborhood Association meets quarterly at 7:00 pm in the Cantina Room at the Minnetrista Cultural Center. 2024 meetings will be held March 11, July 8, and October 14. All are welcome.

Minutes of the Neighborhood Association Meetings can be found here. You can contact them directly at minnetristacentral@gmail.com

On the Web

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnetrista-Central-Neighborhood-Association/148766048539765

Neighborhood Action Plan: https://minnetristamckinleyplan.wordpress.com/

Documents

Minnetrista map (pdf)
Articles of Incorporation (pdf)
By-Laws (pdf)

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