403 W Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404 - Monroe County

Located just two blocks from the Courthouse Square in downtown Bloomington, this iconic 1895 Victorian landmark—known as the Batman House—was built by John Waldron, Sr. as a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law, Ira C. Batman. Designed by architect John Nichols, the home blends French Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Romanesque Revival styles and features an extraordinary use of Indiana limestone from top to bottom. Listed in Bloomington’s West Side National Register Historic District, this architectural gem offers approx. 4,000 sq ft of finished space on the main levels plus a usable attic and lower level, totaling 7,500–8,000 sq ft. Extensive structural work has reinforced the foundation for long-term stability. Rich in Bloomington history, this is one of the city’s most distinctive privately owned historic residences—beautifully preserved and ready for its next chapter. This historically important Victorian masterpiece was home to the Garret Antique Shop opened in 1976. Dennis and Nancy Garrett purchased the property in 1974, doing extensive work to prepare it as their residence and the antique business. The Garret was open from 1976 until Nancy's passing in December of 2023. The Garrett's amassed a world class collection in their personal quarters as well as an extensive inventory in the shop. Prior to the Garrett's ownership the building was used as the Labor Temple for a long period. We don't know exactly when it began using the building. Prior to that it was also home to Weir Funeral Home. The building has a rich 130 year history though all of its uses have been lost to history. This home is being sold in an online auction format with bidding open from Nov 1st through Dec 1st. Bidding closes at 8PM on December first with a soft close. This means any bids placed in the last 3 minutes of the auction will automatically extend the close time, allowing bidders a chance to compete for this fantastic offering. This home has liberal Residential & Commercial zoning. This property is subject to Historic Designation restrictions. The property is part of an estate and is being sold as-is. All inspections, financing and other buyer requests must be completed prior to the close of the auction. Closing will not be subject to any of these concessions, inspections or financing and this is a true as-is sale. The auction process is a legal contract to close. If you are high bidder, you are legally bound to closing without restriction.

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