If you’ve been around North Capitol Ave. + 10th St., you’ve probably seen the Stutz Motor Car Co. landmark dating back to 1911 — it’s hard to miss because the four-story, seven-building complex occupies a whole city block.
Well, the new majority owner of the historic factory complex in downtown Indianapolis plans to spend at least $60 million to revitalize + transform the property.
The Stutz building’s past
The Stutz complex was built in 1911-1912 by Harry Stutz, who founded the motorcar company. The facility produced cars until 1935, when the Great Depression forced the manufacturer to close. Fun fact: The Stutz Bearcat, built by Harry in just 10 days, finished 11th in the first-ever Indianapolis 500.
Eli Lilly and Co. purchased the complex in 1940 + operated a packaging division there until 1982.
It stood vacant until 1993, when Turner Woodard purchased it + turned it into what it is today. Which brings us to now — Turner sold a majority of his ownership to New York-based real estate investment firm SomeraRoad Inc.
The Stutz building’s future
The Stutz building will remain a hub for the local artists who currently house their studios there and its developers are working on programming to promote its role in the arts community.
The project plan also calls for:
- About 9,000 sqft of event space
- 240,000 sqft of flexible co-working and office space
- More retail offerings
- Five authentic food + beverage concepts, including an all-day café, a coffee shop and scratch bakery, a local taco shop, and a taproom
- New outdoor spaces and an updated facade
- A car museum with a 10,000 sqft vintage car showroom
The transformation is expected to take several years.
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