Cunningham Restaurant Group is moving into the Bicentennial Unity Plaza

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.

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 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).