City Market set to close for two years as redevelopment project transforms city block

The Indianapolis City Market is set to close for renovations Friday. The historic market will not reopen until 2026, as the entire city block prepares for redevelopment. 

Aaron Brown, owner of AB Mobile Kitchen's stall at the market, said the renovations are needed.

“You know the building is old, it’s not really up to date so it leaks and things like that,” Brown said.

About a dozen businesses remain at the market, which struggled through the pandemic and a loss of downtown workers.

The market will be refurbished and reopen to businesses in 2026. A private company will manage operations. Brown said he would consider moving back.

“I would definitely consider it, but two years is a long time to sit around and wait, and no telling what I’ll be in already,” Brown said.

Brown said he will likely move his business to a food truck, for now. 

More than $200 million will be invested in the city market block through a public private partnership. The redevelopment project also includes more than 400 new housing units, new public spaces, an 11-story building on the site of the east plaza, and the rehabilitation of the Gold Building.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.