Reuse project offers a new take on an Indy original

Phase One of the restoration of the historic Stutz building in downtown Indianapolis is nearly complete.

Developer SomeraRoad acquired the 1912 building at the beginning of 2021 and has invested $100 million to modernize the 110-year-old former car factory.

The project encompasses 441,000 square feet of space, spanning a 3.8 acre, seven-building complex located between 10th and 11th streets and Senate and Capitol avenues.

Basel Bataineh with SomeraRoad, said it has been an exciting restoration project.

“From a real estate developers’ perspective, they just don't create buildings like this anymore. And so, we felt that we had, you know, found an incredible one-of-a-kind opportunity to just build upon what was already there,” Bataineh said.

The Stutz has a rich history of use, from car production in the early 1900s, to pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly, to most recently, a center for the arts.

Bataineh said the property’s history as a car manufacturing facility created a unique design with seven interconnected buildings and alleyways that are incorporated in the new design.

“Our take on those alleyways was to pedestrianize them so as to create beautiful landscaped outdoor spaces that have planters and lighting and heat lamps in the winter, outdoor seating for the restaurants outdoor event space for the two event venues on site,” Bataineh said.

Bataineh said when completed, the space will also feature a vintage car museum, flexible event space, and food, beverage, retail, and fitness outposts.

“I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of amenities and pedestrian places, “ Bataineh said.

Vision Loft Events has opened for business at the Stutz.  Several restaurants will be open in January, with more to follow in the spring.  The Stutz Car Museum will be officially open in January.

The Stutz building will also play host to a multi-weekend seasonal market starting Nov. 26.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.