Catacombs project will uncover a piece of Indianapolis history

An entire downtown Indianapolis city block is undergoing revitalization. One piece of the project will unearth the catacombs below the City Market.

The catacombs were part of Tomlinson Hall, a public auditorium that was destroyed by fire in 1958.

The West Plaza space, right next door to the City Market, will be redeveloped into a new public area where brick arches, limestone columns and passageways will be opened up.

The city is contracting with Merritt Chase to design and build the new space. Principal Chris Merritt says the catacombs are still a mystery to many.

“And this really presents, I think, a unique opportunity to bring it into the public realm and make it visible, and be able to sit in and amongst it, within a garden Plaza like setting, and really touch and feel and understand that kind of Indianapolis history,” Merritt said.

Currently the catacombs are only accessible through arranged tours led by Indiana Landmarks. The new project will activate the area, create green space and highlight the history of the City Market and Tomlinson Hall.

The catacombs project is part of the first phase of a larger redevelopment effort announced in 2022. Work on the block also includes the conversion of the Gold Building from office to residential with more than 350 new units, 10% of which will be workforce housing.

Merritt said the creation of new downtown spaces is vital.

“Public spaces are kind of the last great place where we can all connect as a community and be exposed to each other and kind of learn from each other's diversity,” Merritt said, “and especially through the pandemic and post pandemic, has really helped to build social cohesion in communities.”

Merritt Chase first became involved in the project when they answered a request for proposals. The idea to uncover the catacombs had been discussed for decades. Merritt said it’s exciting to have the plans revealed to the public.

“After years of planning and design and really thoughtful conversations about the significant history of the place,” he said.

The City Market closed almost one year ago, and will be restored to include new vendors and to modernize the building. Other projects on the block include a new office building, a rehabbed parking garage and a restored public alleyway.

Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.