Indianapolis City Market (Indianapolis, Indiana)
USA /
Indiana /
Indianapolis /
Indianapolis, Indiana /
East Market Street, 222
World
/ USA
/ Indiana
/ Indianapolis
World / United States / Indiana
food court, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, tourist attraction, 1880s construction, building/structure that has been renovated/restored/reconstructed
www.indycm.com
The current location of the Indianapolis City Market dates back to 1821 when Alexander Ralston's "Plat of the Town of Indianapolis" dedicated a parcel of land for a public market. A small building was constructed on this site, but as Indianapolis continued to grow, it quickly became apparent that more space was needed for the sale of meats and produce.
By 1886, a newer Market House was proposed by the City of Indianapolis. A local architect, D.A. Bohlen, designed the structure to be made out of stone walls and cement flooring. Construction was completed on November 4, 1886, at a cost of $29,225.
With the main building completed, it now provided additional covered space immediately east of Tomlinson Hall, also constructed in 1886. Tomlinson Hall contained an auditorium, gymnasium, meeting rooms, and vegetable stands on the ground floor. It was considered to be the "Market Square Arena" of its time, as it was used for political rallies, concerts and other large public functions. The east side of downtown Indianapolis was now bustling with activity.
From the early- to mid-1900s, City Market flourished as Indianapolis embraced its agricultural heritage. It was the one-stop shop to buy fresh produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and bakery goods. Immigrants new to the area set up businesses inside the market showcasing the different culinary styles and selections of their native lands.
After World War II, the competition of suburbia took its toll on City Market. The convenience of shopping close to home with bigger neighborhood grocery stores kept many locals from coming to the market. Plagued by decreasing turnout and sales, many vendors went out of business or moved farther out. Buying fresh food from local farmers and merchants was no longer a way of life.
During this time, Tomlinson Hall was severely damaged by fire in 1958 and was subsequently demolished. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, citizens and local leaders debated on how best to restore and renovate City Market. The cost of operating City Market and efforts to bring the building up to health codes was a challenge and had to be addressed.
With the election of Mayor Richard Lugar in 1968, public sentiment for a restoration of City Market was at hand. Funds were solicited from the Lilly Endowment for complete restoration of the Market and additional construction to further enhance the historic Market structure. On March 27, 1974, the original market house was listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. With restoration complete in 1977, City Market was granted new life and the permanent future of continuing to function as the marketplace the city's founders had planned it to be in 1821.
In 2004, City Market celebrated the unveiling of its new Market District Stage on Charles L. Whistler Plaza. A vibrant downtown event destination, City Market is home to many summer events. The Original Farmers' Market, held every Wednesday from May through October, continues to grow every year. On Wednesday evenings in the summer, visitors can enjoy City Market at a different time of day at City Market After Hours, with live music, dancing, food and drinks.
As the dawn of the 21st century unfolds, many exciting opportunities for City Market await. Market East District, the newest designated cultural district, is emerging on this edge of downtown. More than ever, downtown residents will need a place to gather, buy fresh food, and enjoy the bustling of activity reminiscent of years past.
The current location of the Indianapolis City Market dates back to 1821 when Alexander Ralston's "Plat of the Town of Indianapolis" dedicated a parcel of land for a public market. A small building was constructed on this site, but as Indianapolis continued to grow, it quickly became apparent that more space was needed for the sale of meats and produce.
By 1886, a newer Market House was proposed by the City of Indianapolis. A local architect, D.A. Bohlen, designed the structure to be made out of stone walls and cement flooring. Construction was completed on November 4, 1886, at a cost of $29,225.
With the main building completed, it now provided additional covered space immediately east of Tomlinson Hall, also constructed in 1886. Tomlinson Hall contained an auditorium, gymnasium, meeting rooms, and vegetable stands on the ground floor. It was considered to be the "Market Square Arena" of its time, as it was used for political rallies, concerts and other large public functions. The east side of downtown Indianapolis was now bustling with activity.
From the early- to mid-1900s, City Market flourished as Indianapolis embraced its agricultural heritage. It was the one-stop shop to buy fresh produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and bakery goods. Immigrants new to the area set up businesses inside the market showcasing the different culinary styles and selections of their native lands.
After World War II, the competition of suburbia took its toll on City Market. The convenience of shopping close to home with bigger neighborhood grocery stores kept many locals from coming to the market. Plagued by decreasing turnout and sales, many vendors went out of business or moved farther out. Buying fresh food from local farmers and merchants was no longer a way of life.
During this time, Tomlinson Hall was severely damaged by fire in 1958 and was subsequently demolished. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, citizens and local leaders debated on how best to restore and renovate City Market. The cost of operating City Market and efforts to bring the building up to health codes was a challenge and had to be addressed.
With the election of Mayor Richard Lugar in 1968, public sentiment for a restoration of City Market was at hand. Funds were solicited from the Lilly Endowment for complete restoration of the Market and additional construction to further enhance the historic Market structure. On March 27, 1974, the original market house was listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. With restoration complete in 1977, City Market was granted new life and the permanent future of continuing to function as the marketplace the city's founders had planned it to be in 1821.
In 2004, City Market celebrated the unveiling of its new Market District Stage on Charles L. Whistler Plaza. A vibrant downtown event destination, City Market is home to many summer events. The Original Farmers' Market, held every Wednesday from May through October, continues to grow every year. On Wednesday evenings in the summer, visitors can enjoy City Market at a different time of day at City Market After Hours, with live music, dancing, food and drinks.
As the dawn of the 21st century unfolds, many exciting opportunities for City Market await. Market East District, the newest designated cultural district, is emerging on this edge of downtown. More than ever, downtown residents will need a place to gather, buy fresh food, and enjoy the bustling of activity reminiscent of years past.
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_City_Market
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 39°46'7"N 86°9'12"W
- Irvington 6.2 km
- Bluff Road Historic District 7.2 km
- Crown Hill Cemetery 7.5 km
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) 8.5 km
- North Meridian Street Historic District 10 km
- Crows Nest, Indiana 11 km
- Brendonwood Historic District 12 km
- Traders Point Eagle Creek Rural Historic District 22 km
- Columbus Historic District 65 km
- Brown County State Park 65 km
- Market East District 0.2 km
- Mile Square 0.4 km
- Lilly Corporate Center (LCC) Campus 1.2 km
- Center Township 1.3 km
- Irish Hill 1.4 km
- Holy Cross 1.4 km
- Babe Denny 1.5 km
- North Square 1.7 km
- Fountain Square 2.1 km
- Old Southside 2.1 km