Former LGBTQ nightclub will remain “safe place” for community after renovations

The Damien Center, Indiana’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization, released plans this week for the renovation of a former LGBTQ+ nightclub.

Damien Center officials said the updated building will continue to provide an LGBTQ-friendly space for the community.

The renovated space will offer both an employment center and a coffee shop, and sits within the same block where the Damien Center is currently erecting a new $34 million facility.

Alan Witchey is the president and CEO of the Damien Center. He says the nightclub, Zonie’s Closet, reached out to the center to see if they could take it over when it closed in 2022.

“We want to sort of recognize and celebrate that safe haven and safe place for the LGBTQ community, but at the same time we want to do something that sort of aligns with and makes sense with our mission,” he said.

Witchey said the LGBTQ community has felt the loss of many gathering places across Indianapolis.

“I think over the last couple of years, the real focus on attacking trans and nonbinary populations have even made the community feel like there are less safe places and less opportunities to sort of socialize and meet people,” he said.

Through the renovated building’s employment center, Witchey said the center plans to serve roughly 500 people a year.

The $1 million renovations are expected to be completed in March of next year.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.