Indianapolis City Market (Indianapolis)

www.indycm.com/

History:
19th Century

The current location of City Market dates back to 1821 when Alexander Ralston's "Plot of the Town of Indianapolis" dedicated a parcel of land for market use. 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 as well as retail 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 in an urban setting.


20th Century

From the early to mid 1900's, City Market flourished as Indianapolis embraced its agricultural heritage. It was the one-stop shop to buy your 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 the Second World War, 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 1950's and 1960's, citizens and governmental 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 fathers had planned it to be in 1821.

21st Century

As the dawn of the 21st century unfolds, many exciting opportunities for City Market await. A new "Market District" is emerging along the eastern edge of downtown with the impending development of 400 condominiums on Market Street. More than ever, downtown residents will need a place to gather, buy fresh food and enjoy the bustling of activity reminiscent of years past.

In 2004, City Market celebrated the unveiling of its new Market District Stage on 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.

2007
Now the dawn of a newly renovated City Market has emerged. In partnership with community leaders, the City of Indianapolis, and The Lilly Endowment, City Market is once again experiencing a transformation. A current-day renovation has been a goal of market managers for years. Now in 2007, that vision is being realized by returning the market to its honorable heritage. Beginning with a new look, the Historic Market House has experienced changes including new paint, new floors, new lighting and a new group of merchants.

Visitors of the City Market will soon enjoy the freshest and most eclectic mix of food the city has seen in decades. This new group of merchants will render City Market as an urban shopping experience, exclusive to Indiana.

Established in the 1800’s as a market that the community relied upon for their daily staples of fresh meats, cheeses, produce, and breads, The City Market will once again offer this shopping experience to its customers.

Returning will be a long list of favorite merchants such as Jumbo’s, Just Cookies, and Café Olivia who will provide great sandwiches, soups, and salads. In addition, there will be a hearty blend of fresh foods for purchase that include a full line of Indiana grown produce, the best steaks and fish available in town, wine by the bottle, and fresh cut flowers. The farm returns to the City Market in 2007! And it only seems fitting, nestled against the backdrop of a long history and heritage that has produced stories that will be told for generations to come.