MARKET

City Market ,1908

TRADITION

BY JULIE YATES

As the state of Indiana commemorates its bicentennial, one landmark in the capital city continues to be enjoyed and celebrated by both locals and visitors. Housed in a stately European-style building, the Indianapolis City Market has been a constant during years of changes in the metropolitan center. Today, with the resurgence of residential living in the downtown area, it continues to be a colorful and vibrant destination for entertainment and shopping.

Indianapolis has the distinction of being a planned city and the original blueprint insured there was space for a public market. When Alexander Ralston, who also assisted in designing Washington, DC, divided the land into a grid in 1821, he designated the south side of plat 43 as the location for the City Market. For the first years of its existence, it was primarily agrarian. Open-sided stalls provided shelter to merchants who sold hay, grain, wood and tools.

It wasn’t until 1886 that the existing building was designed and built. Designed by German-born architect Diedrich A. Bohlen, it replaced the outdoor booths that had occupied the property since the 1830s. The brick structure featured twin-flanking towers and rounded archways that still exist today. Around the same time, Tomlinson Hall was erected on the spot where the west wing is today. Also designed by Bohlen, the exposition center complemented the City Market both in appearance and utility. In its prime, Tomlinson Hall was host to presidential rallies, John Philip Sousa band concerts and one of the first basketball games in the Midwest. The hall had retail space on the street level, and while the City Market sold produce, the Tomlinson vendors peddled meat.

Immediately following World War II, Indianapolis was home to busy families with smaller refrigerators than the ones of today. Many housewives visited the City Market several times a week to purchase

City Market ,1923

perishables. According to Stevi Stoesz, executive director, activity in the market peaked in the 1950s when it boasted 246 stalls, 21 retail stores and three restaurants.

“Today, a scenario like that would be impossible,” Stoesz said. “Th e situation back then predated today’s Board of Health regulations for hand sinks and water heaters necessary for food services.”

However, by the end of the decade, families began to move out of the city and into the suburbs. In 1958, Tomlinson Hall was razed after succumbing to a fi re, and downtown Indianapolis was no longer a prime location for events held after offi ce hours.

By the 1970s, the City Market had become what Stoesz describes as a “lunch counter.” Although it still had some grocery-type stands, “It had to make a model shift in order to stay relevant to the demand of the time,” Stoesz said. From 1972 to 1977, repairs were made to the structure as part of an overall program to revitalize the downtown area. Th e mezzanine was added, as well as the east and west wings. During this time of renewed interest in the City Market, it became listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In recent years, two other important renovations have taken place. Structural overhauls such as new pipes, lighting and fl oors were the focus of a 2007–08 restoration. Th e 2010–11 cosmetic makeover, which added color and enhancements to the building’s architectural features, occurred just in time for the 2012 Super Bowl held in Indianapolis. Th e market was chosen by the hosting committee as a recommended venue for holding events.

Today, the City Market is having a renaissance as diverse customers such as Millennials, offi ce workers, empty nesters and hipsters frequent the market from its opening at 7am on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays, to its closing at 9pm. Patrons are drawn to stalls and eateries that off er artisan products, one-of-a-kind gifts and authentic ethnic food. Named after the hall that once stood nearby, on the second fl oor is the Tomlinson Tap Room with its rotating selection of Indiana craft beers. It off ers a great place to meet after work or before the game. Every Wednesday from May through October, Th e Original Farmers’ Market featuring vendors selling in-season produce, local meats, cheeses and other unique items is held outside from 9:30am to 1:30pm, rain or shine. Th e Bicentennial Bazaar, an indoor farmers’ market, is held on Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm until March 26.

“It’s an exciting time for the Indianapolis City Market,” declared Stoesz. “Patrons not only come to attend our sponsored events such as tours of the Tomlinson Hall catacombs, but can also shop from merchants who can tell them exactly how an item was grown or prepared.”

For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit IndyCM.com.

Julie K. Yates is a freelance writer and food blogger. She enjoys sharing the stories of individuals and organizations that pursue culinary-related experiences. Visit her blogs at YatesYummies.com and OrangesAndAlmonds.com.

Your Central Indiana source for functional, reliable water features, aquaponic systems, and other homesteading/ survival products

Indoor/Outdoor Systems Lights Started Plants & Seeds Fish (Edible & Ornamental) Pumps Plumbing Do-It-Yourself Kits System Installation

Come Walk Around Our 2.5 Acre Facility and New Aquaponic Barn aquaticdesign.net

Just 15 Minutes West Of Indy!

Grow your own CHEMICAL-FREE, ORGANIC Fruits, Veggies, and Fish!

Visit our location today or call to set up a consultation!

Eating Local Simplifi ed

Getting Hoosier-grown goodness on your plate doesn’t have to involve hours in the kitchen. These fi ne establishments proudly serve up the freshest locally sourced cuisine.

The farm-to-table movement begins with Central Indiana farms and dedicated producers who care about bringing only the best to market, which is a very good thing for locally owned restaurants that search out the best dairy, meat, produce and beverages for their patrons.

Farm-to-table is gaining momentum not only with bornand-bred Hoosiers, but the many visitors to Central Indiana. Edible Indy connects growers, producers and food artisans with their community.

Here is a select list of some of those chefs and owners who take great pride in celebrating Hoosier-grown goodness.

*This is a paid advertisement. The Garden Table is a local eatery and fresh juicery in the heart of the Broad Ripple Village. We serve seasonally infl uenced and locally sourced food and cold pressed juice. We believe in simple dishes, made from natural ingredients, grown and harvested by local farmers. Downtown location opening soon. 317.413.3778. TheGardenTable.com 908 E. Westfi eld Blvd., Indianapolis, Tu–Sa 8am–3pm, Su 9am–3pm. Looking for a great burger and beer? Look no further than Punch Burger. Our award winning burgers are made from local grass-fed beef provided by Fischer Farms in Jasper, Indiana. Our beers crafted are from local breweries such as Sun King, Quaff On, Scarlet Lane and more. Need a suggestion? Make sure to order up our famous Burnt Cheese burger and a side of sweet potato tots . You won’t be sorry! PunchBurger.com Downtown: 137 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, 317.426.5280. Su–Th 11am–9pm, F–Sa 11am–10pm 12525 Old Meridian Ste. 100, Carmel: 317.564.0637. Su–W 11am–9pm, F–Sa 11am–10pm

St. Elmo gives a big thank you to our local partners! As a locally owned business for over 110 years we take great pride in our local business relationships. Cheers to independent businesses! 317.635.0636, StElmos.com 127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, M–F 4–11pm, Sa 3–11pm, Su 4–10pm A Mass Avenue staple off ering non-hpp raw juices and smoothies in a hip and trendy walk-in location. All juices are cold-pressed, old school centrifuge, and freshly juiced on site and their cleanses programs are available year around. 317.797.4254, NaturalBornJuicers.com 865 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. M–F 7am–7pm, Sa 9am–7pm, Su 10am–6pm

Milktooth is a neighborhood brunch destination, serving up Indy’s fi rst Mod Bar coff ee program along with upscale breakfast and lunch. Focusing on seasonal, local ingredients— everything is made in house. 317.986.5131, MilktoothIndy.com 534 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, W–M 7am–3pm We’re proud to keep it local at Harry & Izzy’s! Three restaurants sourcing locally from 10 regional farms, four breweries and seven locally owned purveyors or producers leads to one great meal. All open M–Th 11am–11pm, F–Sa 11am–midnight, Su noon–9pm. HarryAndIzzys.com Downtown: 153 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, 317.635.9594 Northside: 4050 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, 317.915.8045 Airport: 7800 Col. Weir Cook Memorial Dr., Indianapolis, 317.241.0533

Oakley’s Bistro, a neighborhood American Bistro focuses on rotating seasonal menus encompassing the Midwest rustic appeal with local sustainable ingredients making every meal a special occasion. Owner and operator, Chef Steven Oakley is a James Beard Nominee with Bon Appétit recognizing the bistro as “one of the hottest restaurants coast to coast”. Join Chef Oakley at this Northside Indianapolis staple for lunch or dinner, whatever the occasion, the experience will be divine. 317.824.1231, OakleysBistro.com 1464 W. 86th St., Indianapolis. Lunch: T–Sa 11am–1:30pm, Dinner: T–Th 5–9:30pm, F–Sa 5–10pm

From a store full of fresh, seasonal foods and a team of Chefs and Culinary Experts comes a celebration of food called table by Market District — a restaurant that brings passion for food right to your plate. Open daily for lunch & dinner, as well as brunch every Sunday. 317.689.6330, MarketDistrict.com/Table 11505 N. Illinois St., Carmel. Su–Th 11am– 9pm, F–Sa 11am–10pm Hotel Tango, the fi rst small batch distillery in Indiana and is also the fi rst service disabled, combat veteran owned distillery in the country. Using only high-quality, local ingredients allows us to stand out. We invite you to come in and taste what our Hoosier heads, hands, and hearts have made, sit by the fi re, or belly up at the bar. Drink local, buy local. 317.653.1806, HotelTangoWhiskey.com 702 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis. M–F 2–10pm, Sa–Su noon–10pm Founded in 2005, Chef JJ’s is a unique, personal and hands-on culinary experience with a focus on the Big Green Egg®, corporate team building, private events and grilling classes. Chef JJ’s provides clients with the most innovative culinary experience in Indianapolis. Our multi-course meals are prepared and served backyard or family style. We off er distinctive private dining opportunities for your event with personal attention to detail. Call us to set up your event today. 317.602.3828, ChefJJs.com Downtown: 42 W. South St., Indianapolis 1040 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, M–F 11am–6pm, Sa 10am–5pm.

Cardinal Spirits is a craft distillery and cocktail bar just off the B-Line in Bloomington. We combine ageold distilling techniques with modern technology, and specialize in creating memorable experiences. CardinalSpirits.com 922 S. Morton St., Bloomington, M–Th 4–10pm, F–Su 12pm–12am, 812.202.6789 Dine at a true farmstead restaurant, located inside a beautiful historic barn on an organic dairy farm. Food grown and raised on-site takes center place on organic menus shaped by seasonal rhythms. Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch. 317.733.1700, TraderspointCreamery.com 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville. Lunch: M–Sat 11am–2:30pm; Dinner: Tu–Th, Su 5–9pm, F–Sa 5–9:30pm; Sunday Brunch: 9:30am–2:30pm

Upland off ers a brewpub, beer bar, tap house and tasting room, all serving up Indiana’s fi nest craft brews,gourmet burgers to beet and pesto pizza. The Carmel Tap House and the Brew Pub have full service lunch and dinner menus. For a full listing of locations visit UplandBeer.com Bloomington BrewPub: 350 W. 11th St., Bloomington, M–Th 11am–12am, F–Sa 11am–1am, Su 12pm— 12am, 812.336.2337 Carmel Tap House: 820 E. 116th St., Carmel, M–Th 11am–12am, F–Sa 11am–1am, Su 12pm–12am, 317.564.3400 Local Roots, California Wines (and vibes)! If you love tasting great Napa Valley wine in a fun, eclectic, groovy atmosphere, then Peace Water Winery is your place! Best yet, 50% of our profi ts are donated to charities. So come in for a tasting, buy a glass, take home a bottle or join our wine club and learn how “One Bottle Does a World of Good!”. 317.810.1330, PeaceWaterWinery.com 37 W. Main St., Carmel, T–Th 2–9pm, F–Sa noon–10pm, Su noon–5pm