Discovering
Hunters Ridge

If you’ve ever taken the neighborhood entrance at 86th and Fox Ridge, you’ve passed the original Hunters Ridge by Jonathan sign. It marks the spot where our neighborhood first began in the 1974—the site of the original model homes and the starting point for the community we know today.

Have you ever wondered about the tiny bird tucked into the logo? It isn’t just any bird—it’s a symbol of a 1970s cultural phenomenon that reached from the bestseller lists all the way to our very own streets.

The Inspiration: A Bird with a Dream

The founders of Jonathan Homes were in their early 30s when they started the company, bringing a fresh, ambitious energy to the Indianapolis housing market. They were deeply inspired by the 1970 novella Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.

While most seagulls in the book were content scrounging for scraps, the character Jonathan was obsessed with the artistry of flight and reaching his full potential. The book was a sensation, spending 38 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Inspired by this message of excellence, the founders adopted the seagull’s silhouette for their logo to represent a philosophy of building homes that "soared" above the standard.

From Page to Screen (and Courtroom!)

While the book was a massive success, the 1973 film adaptation had a much rockier flight. The movie was unique because it featured no human actors—just real seagulls with voiceovers. The production became famous for its behind-the-scenes "turbulence":

• The Author’s Outrage: Richard Bach was so unhappy with the final cut that he sued the studio, eventually having his name removed from the screenwriting credits.

• A Critical "Flop": While the book was beloved, the film struggled at the box office and was panned by many critics of the era.

The Silver Lining: Neil Diamond

Even though the movie stumbled, the music reached incredible heights. The legendary Neil Diamond wrote and performed the soundtrack, which became a global smash hit. The album won a Grammy and a Golden Globe, cementing the "Jonathan" name in music history with anthems like Be and Skybird. In many ways, the soundtrack actually outperformed the movie itself in popularity!

Explore the History

Want to dive deeper into the sights and sounds of 1974?

📺 Watch the Original Movie Trailer

🎵 Listen to Neil Diamond’s Award-Winning Soundtrack

Next time you drive in or out of the 86th Street and Fox Ridge entrance, look closely at the "Hunters Ridge by Jonathan" sign. That iconic silhouette is a direct nod to a quest for perfection that started on a printed page and helped build the foundation of our community.