Indy’s newest hotel is full of tributes to local icons

Hotel Indy — the city’s new Tribute Portfolio, boutique hotel — opened its doors to guests Wednesday. Get an inside look on our Instagram .

Now, we’re going beyond its looks to share with you all of the history + nods to Indy icons you’ll find around every corner.

🏨 This reimagined structure was first constructed back in 1969 as the State Life Insurance building + was purchased in 2019 to transform into the inviting space that it is today — while still preserving its original architecture.

🍽️ The Hulman restaurant is a tribute to Tony Hulman — who purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 to avoid its closure after World War II. The Hulman Family maintained the property until 2020 + Tony’s legacy lives on, 44 years later. He died on Oct. 27, 1977 + the hotel opened on Oct. 27, 2021.

The globe light above the bar pays homage to the Globe Outlet store that used to sit in the same spot as Hotel Indy + The Paddock courtyard is named after a gathering place at the Speedway.

🍸 The Cannon Ball Lounge — named after Indiana’s daredevil racer Erwin “Cannonball” Baker — is the city’s newest rooftop lounge, serving up Indy-inspired cocktails while giving guests a view of the Wholesale District.

☕ The coffee bar found near The Hulman is called The Brandon because back in the 1800s, downtown Indianapolis was divided into blocks and Hotel Indy sits on the block that was called the Brandon Block. This space will serve coffee roasted by local Tinker Coffee Co.

There are several other Indy easter eggs that have inspired Hotel Indy — like tributes to Madame C.J. Walker, Major Taylor, Kurt Vonnegut, and James Whitcomb Riley — that you’ll have to visit + see for yourself.

Poll