Madam Walker Legacy Center (Indianapolis, Indiana)

 theatre, flatiron building, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, 1920s construction, building/structure that has been renovated/restored/reconstructed, U.S. National Historic Landmark

madamwalkerlegacycenter.com
(317) 236-2099

The Madam Walker Legacy Center, housed in the historic Madam C. J. Walker Building, has long symbolized the spirit of creativity and community pride in the City of Indianapolis. Named after America’s first “self-made” female millionaire, Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C. J. Walker, the site represents the achievements, art forms, culture, and history of African-American people.

Madam Walker began the development of the Walker Building and Theatre prior to her death in 1919. The project was subsequently completed by her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, and opened to the public in December 1927.

The Walker Building, located in the Indiana Avenue corridor, was the center of entertainment, business and pride for the city’s African-American community from the 1920s to the 1950s. During the mid-50s, the building and its surrounding neighborhood began a gradual decline.

By the late 1970s, the Walker Building stood nearly abandoned (Walker Manufacturing Company remained housed in the building) and faced certain demolition. However, a group of committed African-American citizens recognized the structure’s rich history and dedicated themselves to preserving the building. After becoming incorporated as the Madam Walker Building Urban Life Center in 1979, the group purchased the ailing building from the Walker Manufacturing Company and began planning for its restoration.

In 1982 the organization’s articles of incorporation were amended to reflect the organization’s new name of Madam Walker Urban Life Center. The not-for-profit organization was committed to reestablishing the facility as a steward for cultural expression and economic enterprise. Because the site was seen as the heart of a downtown neighborhood that had to be revitalized, the community worked hard to make that dream a reality.

In 1983, the first phase of the restoration which housed offices and the Grand Casino Ballroom was completed. A $2.5 million capital campaign raised funds to restore the famous 944-seat (now 935) Walker Theatre. The influence of African artforms in the vision of Madam Walker and her daughter for the design concept is apparent throughout the theatre. In 1988, the City of Indianapolis celebrated the gala opening of the fully restored Madam C. J. Walker Building. The site is now a National Historic Landmark, and it is registered on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

In 1996, the Madam Walker Urban Life Center became the Madam Walker Theatre Center to more fully reflect the organization’s vision and mission. Two office structures along Indiana Avenue—Walker Plaza, built in 1989 and 500 place, completed in 1992—are two partners essential to the continued growth of the Madam Walker Theatre Center. As a result of these two ventures, the Walker Building once again stands as an economic anchor for the historic Indiana Avenue Cultural District.

In 2018, the Theatre Center was rechristened the Madam Walker Legacy Center in partnership with Indiana University.