From “Dolphin House” to “Dolphin Apartments” 🏘️

The “ugliest house in America” is turning into apartments

Finding curtains to fit all these windows would be... time-consuming. | Photo by INDYtoday team

“Absolutely everything is wrong with this Indiana house,” has been a phrase used to describe the Kessler Mansion at 4915 and 4923 Kessler View Dr., so maybe transforming it into a series of high-end apartments will be just the ticket.

“The Dolphin House,” as it’s known to Hoosiers, has been rezoned and will be converted into 10 luxury apartments.

The house’s history

It was built by and home to a controversial character for several years. Then it was sold many times, it became an Airbnb for a period, and since then has been sitting in disrepair for years.

It gets its name from the number of dolphin statues scattered around the cobblestoned property. The eccentricity doesn’t stop there, though. As City Editor Anna learned when she attended its estate sale last year, the dolphin statues merely scratched the surface of the many-textured, gaudy, and seemingly nonsensical layout.

A room with vaulted ceilings and a star on the floor — This is what we guess is a ballroom — it also has a pool table.

The mansion’s future

Though it’s called the Kessler Mansion, the property is actually made up of a handful of residential buildings. Those buildings will be divided up into six three-bedroom apartments and four four-bedroom apartments. We haven’t seen a timeline or a price tag on the proposed project yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

Ugly or interesting?

Though the experts have called it a “Midwestern Vegas Versailles” and a “kitschy Indianapolis landmark,” we’re curious, do you really think the mansion is ugly? Should kinder words be used to describe it? Answer our poll below and look for the final vote in an upcoming newsletter.

What’s your take on the Dolphin House?

A. It’s called “the ugliest house in America” for a reason
B. I don’t think it’s that bad
C. It’s giving eclectic vibes and I love it

GIVE IT TO US STRAIGHT

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Wednesday, Jan. 11

FLAVA FRESH XIX! | Wednesday, Jan. 11-Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | College Avenue Library, 4180 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Walk through the diverse juried exhibition of regional artists.

Thursday, Jan. 12

Women’s Self-Defense Class | Thursday, Jan. 12 | 7-8 p.m. | Brownsburg Police Department Training Facility, 75 Whittington Dr., Brownsburg | Free | Learn defensive tactics and methods of protection at this monthly class.

Friday, Jan. 13

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $9-$214 | Can the Pacers keep up their six-game home winning streak?
Mocktail Mixology with Mixo Indy | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Ten Hands Social Bar & Eatery, 241 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $75 | Learn how to make the perfect mocktail with Mixo Indy and zero proof spirits from Loren’s AF.

Saturday, Jan. 14

“A Feast for Your Own Eyes” featuring Peter Cook | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis | $20 | See a one-of-a-kind show that incorporates ASL, pantomime, storytelling, acting, and movement.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

49º | Cloudy | 24% chance of rain

Coming Soon

La Margarita is looking to open a new food concept on Mass Ave. later this year. Daisy Bar will feature dishes like birria, short rib, burgers, and housemade sauces. You can preview the menu now until Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Daisy Bar pop-up at La Margarita. 🌮

Real Estate

Iconic 60s diner Mug n’ Bun in Speedway is for sale. The $2,199,000 listing includes four parcels of land, a pizza shop, the drive-in, a sit-down restaurant, and a place of residence. Did you know that it was featured on Man vs. Food in 2018? 🌭 (WRTV)

Number

$4.29 billion. That’s the new estimate for IU Health’s downtown hospital complex — a 60% increase from what was previously predicted. With the new price, it’s one of Indiana’s costliest capital projects in recent history. Higher construction costs and an uptick in patient rooms have contributed to the change in price tag. 💰 (IBJ)
$80 million. That’s how much grant money Indy Parks is set to receive from the Lilly Endowment. The money will go toward playground upgrades in 18 small parks, park-based programming, and a contingency fund to offset unpredictable supply chain issues.

Cause

German Shepherd Rescue Indy wants to provide even better care for 50+ dogs with a new sanctuary. The plan is to convert an old horse barn into a space for the dogs to run around in and receive behavioral instruction, so they can be adopted. Help the rescue reach its fundraising goal. 🐕 (WRTV)

Arts

The Indy Arts Council is working with a variety of local organizations to bring back Art & Soul — a celebration of Indy’s Black artists — to locations around the city next month. “Kings and Queens” is this year’s theme and the first event will take place on First Friday (Feb. 3). Learn more. 🎨 (IndyStar)

Drink

Looking to hone your hosting skills in 2023? St. Elmo Steak House Cocktails are available to purchase online and ship straight to your door so you and your guests can enjoy ready-to-pour cocktails (Espresso Martini, Cherry Vanilla Bourbon, Old Fashioned, or Cosmopolitan) at any time. Please sip responsibly. 🍸 *

Learn

If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes learning a new language — now’s your time to shine. Babbel is offering 55% off subscriptions for a limited time. How does it work? Short, 10-minute lessons (designed by real language teachers) will make you conversational in as little as three weeks of consistent practice. First step: Pick a language. 🌏 *

Finance

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself. 💸 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Food

The official state sandwich of Indiana is on its way

A breaded tenderloin sandwich on a plate with fries

Do you think Ash & Elm should bring back its tenderloin soon? | Photo via @ashandelmcider

It’s said to have gotten its start in Indiana over 100 years ago, and now Governor Holcomb said a bill will be introduced this legislative session to make the breaded tenderloin Indiana’s State Sandwich.

After making popcorn the state snack in 2021, it only seems right to finally make things official with Indiana’s most beloved dish.

Did you know there’s a whole trail dedicated to the tenderloin in Indiana? It runs all over the state, making stops in South Bend, Anderson, Mooresville, and of course, Indy. The Whistle Stop is the Circle City’s main tenderloin dealer listed, but we think there are plenty more Indy restaurants that serve a 10/10 tenderloin. Let us know what the trail is missing.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anna.

Editor’s pick: Looking for more info on the iconic Dolphin House? We’ve got a story for that. Among other fun facts, it discusses a famous music group that stayed there in 2010. Who it was might surprise you.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? 10 spots to get mocktails during Dry January.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Nicole Fancher | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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