The 2008 Decorators’ Show House was built in 1924 by Mothershead & Fitton for George Hilgemeier, Sr. The home is situated on nearly two acres at the southwest corner of Pennsylvania and 43rd Street in the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. This beautiful Italianate home was originally built with four bedrooms and baths.
George Hilgemeier owned and operated Hilgemeier & Brothers, a pork packing plant. The company later partnered with The Van Camp Packing Company of Indianapolis to produce Van Camps Pork and Beans.
Dr. Joseph Walther and his wife, Mary Margaret, friends of George Hilgemeier, Jr., became the second owner of the home in 1949. Dr. Walther was a physician in Indianapolis who founded the Walther Cancer Institute and Winona Hospital. Dr. Walther lived there with his wife, Mary Margaret, and their six children.
The home’s third owner, Drs. Bruce and Elise Heslin purchased the property in 1997. Bruce is a physician practicing cardiothoracic anesthesiology and Elise is a dentist who is currently enjoying being a stay-at-home mom to their three children.
The home has undergone a few changes since it was built. Dr. Walther had added an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna, as well as an outdoor track. These additions have since been removed.
Currently, the home is undergoing another transformation. An addition is underway with careful attention being paid to maintaining the architectural integrity of the home. The interior addition includes a hearth room, locker/mud room, and powder room on the main floor. A boy’s bedroom, girl’s bedroom, bathroom, laundry/kitchenette, and master closet will conclude the upstairs renovation. On the exterior, a family room with fireplace has been added. Adjoining the formal gardens will be an outdoor dining room, loggia, kitchen, swimming pool, spa and fire pit.
The Heslins look forward to partnering with St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild and Wishard in presenting their beautiful home as the 47th annual Decorators’ Show House.
