Cunningham Restaurant Group is moving into the Bicentennial Unity Plaza

Gainbridge Fieldhouse is getting a new neighbor, and you’re probably already familiar with them.

Exterior rendering of Commission Row

This is what the venue will look like from the west side.

Rendering via RATIO Design

We told you about the Bicentennial Unity Plaza last spring, and now there’s a new name associated with the project.

Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) — which is celebrating 25 years in the biz — has partnered with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to operate the three-level dining and entertainment complex currently under construction next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

History buffs, you’ll like this. The complex will be named Commission Row, which is a reference to a nickname for Delaware Street way back in the mid-1800s, as it was a main crossroad for farmers to sell their products and those traveling out west.

Interior rendering of the restaurant

This is what the restaurant portion of the complex might look like.

Rendering via RATIO Design

Here’s the breakdown of each floor:

  • The street-level will be a chophouse and seafood restaurant, most likely serving up what CRG is best known for — steaks and internationally-inspired cuisine.
  • Upstairs, there will be an event space called Above, which will host gatherings like private dinners and special occasions with a separate entrance and a 200-guest capacity.
  • Oh, and the basement? Keep it on the DL, but it’s set to be a vintage style speakeasy called Mel’s named for Mel Simon, who bought the Pacers in 1983 with his brother.
Rendering of interior bar area

Don’t tell anyone, but this is what the speakeasy might look like.

Rendering via RATIO Design

So when will Hoosiers get to take advantage of this new space? Next February is the expected open date, just in time for the NBA All-Star weekend (the first one Indy has hosted since 1985).

More from INDYtoday
According to the library’s data, you couldn’t get enough of these books last year. See which titles you missed, plus staff picks.
A grassroots effort is helping Indianapolis properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Indianapolis has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Indy.
You never know what Mother Nature is going to give us in Indy — so we’re taking a look at some of the biggest snowfalls in city history.
Get in the holiday spirit with these over-the-top themed pop-up bars.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Indianapolis to connect you to resources and help you get to know your community?
Here’s how we think Santa’s stalwart friends would spend a well-deserved night off in the Circle City.
Google Year in Search is out — check out what Hoosiers were searching most this year (it might surprise you).