New Albany, IN

New Albany is located just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, and is the county seat of Floyd County, Indiana. The territory that later became New Albany was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War and was later sold to three brothers who had come from Albany, New York. They named the area after their former home.

During the 1850s, the city underwent a large growth period when shipbuilding and the expansion of railroads powered its economy. New Albany experienced a population boom and was once not only the most populated but also one of the wealthiest communities in the state. At the start of the 20th century, New Albany's economy became increasingly focused on plywood and veneer manufacturing; by 1920, New Albany had become the largest producer of plywood in the world.

New Albany is known for its low crime rates; high-quality, progressive schools; and services and facilities that make the community an attractive place to live. The city has a population of more than 36,000.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Because New Albany is close to Interstate 64, it is only minutes away from the shopping areas and business districts of Louisville. This is a huge benefit to residents who commute to work each day.

General Mills houses one of its supply chain offices in New Albany. Beach Mold and Tool is another top employer in the city.

New Albany's downtown area is included in the New Albany Urban Enterprise Zone, which is one of 26 Enterprise Zones in Indiana. It helps promote economic growth in New Albany's downtown area by providing financial incentives such as tax credits and grants.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

There are currently four locally regulated historic districts (Mansion Row, the downtown historic district, East Spring Street and Cedar Bough Place) and six National Register districts in New Albany. Residents of these areas have created organizations to help each other learn about renovating and restoring these historic homes.

New Albany neighborhoods include:

• Mansion Row, which is located on Main Street, features a large collection of 19th-century mansions that are the remnants of the city's boom period. Many of these homes have been restored. Some are private residences, while others have been turned into inns or bed-and-breakfasts.
• State Street is near the downtown area and consists of primarily single-family homes and small apartment complexes. Most of the homes in this neighborhood have one or two bedrooms and were built between 1940 and 1969.
• Blackiston Mill is located in one New Albany's most expensive neighborhoods. This suburban area has mostly established single-family homes with three or four bedrooms.

There are three parks in New Albany, including Bicknell Park (two acres), Greenville Park (14 acres) and Sam Peden Community Park (104.5 acres). Each of these parks offers sports, recreation and playground facilities as well as picnic areas and shelters.

BEST BETS

• Culbertson Mansion was the home of William Culbertson, who was once the wealthiest man in Indiana. The mansion was built in 1867 and is a three-story French Second Empire mansion that cost approximately $120,000 to build - at the time, an absolute fortune. The home has 25 rooms and features furniture and decorative items from the area.
• The Second Baptist Church (formerly the Town Clock Church) is a recently restored Greek Revival church at the corner of Third and Main streets. New Albany was one of the stops on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War, and this building was used to hide escaped slaves on their journey north.
• Other historic sites and museums in New Albany are Scribner House, Floyd County Historical Society Padgett Museum and the Conway Fire Museum.

FOR VISITORS

• Sherman Minton Bridge is a double-deck through bridge that spans the Ohio River and connects New Albany to Louisville. The bridge was built in 1962 and was called the most beautiful long-span bridge of the year by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
• Carnegie Center for the Arts and History, a family-oriented center that features art exhibits and workshops and classes for children and students, is housed in the historic Carnegie Library building.
• New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater is an outdoor showplace that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of New Albany's festivals and events, such as bluegrass music shows, fireworks displays, rock concerts and symphony orchestra concerts, are held there.

EDUCATION

The New Albany Floyd County School District is the school district for all children in Floyd County. Approximately 11,700 students are enrolled each year, and there are 20 schools in the district.

Institutions of higher learning in the area include:

• Indiana University Southeast is located in New Albany and offers two-year, four-year and graduate degrees in areas such as business, computer science and education.
• Charles A. Prosser School of Technology was named in honor of this lifelong resident of New Albany. He was known as the Father of Vocational Education.