Jungclaus Mill — a 2.6 acre section of Mass Ave. — is being transformed into a mixed-use development that will be constructed in two phases over the next 5-10 years. Here’s what we know:
📜 The history
In 1875, William P. Jungclaus + his business partners started their construction and carpentry firm in the main building, which served as a mill.
Jungclaus-Campbell Construction was responsible for building many of the iconic landmarks that shape Indianapolis, including the Fort Benjamin Harrison, the Murat Temple of today’s Old National Centre + the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant — which is now the Bottleworks District. Some of the machinery used to build structures like these remain on the property to this day.
For the past 25 years, the Jungclaus area of Mass Ave. has carried on the tradition of using the area for construction purposes.
👀 The future
Because of its important history and influence in the Circle City, leaders on the project plan to preserve the site’s historic character, complementing Bottleworks’ approach at reuse. In fact, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission will have to approve the redevelopment plans before the project takes off.
The major changes planned include 54,000 sqft of leasable office + retail space and one new, two-story 6,600 sqft building, with 147-year-old company Jungclaus-Campbell as the anchor tenant.
The first phase of construction will involve short-term improvements to the Art Bank, exterior improvements to all structures + a 45-space parking lot that is currently used as a storage yard.
The second phase will round out the project with the addition of an infill building across from the Art Bank, courtyards, townhouses, live-work units along St. Clair St. + more parking. One courtyard will be able to accommodate a seasonal outdoor market. Plus, there will be pedestrian passageways between existing buildings to keep things walker-friendly.
So far, no buildings are expected to be torn down and no existing tenant leases will be canceled — Goulding & Wood Inc., which builds intricate pipe organs, is there to stay for now.
