The Old National Centre building was inspired by Middle Easter mosques and is distinguished by its brick banding and minarets. | Photo via Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society
City Editor Shea here. When I first set foot in Indianapolis in 2020, I was awestruck by the city’s amazing architecture, but one building in particular really captured my imagination: Old National Centre. How did this mysterious, ornate building end up in the crossroads of the Midwest?
First, some quick semantics. We’ve probably all heard of Freemasons, but who is familiar with Shriners? The simple breakdown is that Shriners International is a spin-off of Freemasonry, the oldest fraternity in the world.
This is what the entrance to the Egyptian Room looked like in 1922.
In 1884, five Freemasons established Indianapolis’ first Shrine organization. By the end of their first year, the group had expanded to 100+ members. The need for their own temple became clear, as they were currently leasing space from Scottish Rite, another local Freemason sect.
Enter the Murat Temple. The building was constructed in 1909 at a cost of $200,000 — almost $7 million in 2025 currency.
Self-Defense For Teens | 3:45-4:45 p.m. | IPL Lawrence Branch | Free, RSVP | Learn basic self-defense techniques to promote personal safety and protection.
Wednesday, March 5
Music Bingo + March Social | 1-3 p.m. | Rush Off Main, Brownsburg | $20 | Play an unlimited number of rounds of music bingo + enjoy a delicious meal while contributing to the scholarship fund for Hendricks County high school seniors.
Wes Montgomery Tribute | 7 p.m. | The Jazz Kitchen | $15+ | Steve Weakly brings the legendary sounds of Indiana Avenue to the modern stage for an unforgettable performance.
Thursday, March 6
Thursday Singles Night | 7-11 p.m. | Sundry and Vice | $10 | Enjoy specialty cocktails + great conversation as you mix and mingle with other local singles.
Friday, March 7
Woodcock Walk | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Overley-Worman Park, Zionsville | Free, RSVP | Join an evening walk to search for one of nature’s most amazing courtship displays: The male woodcock’s sky dance.
Next stop: The Blue Line. IndyGo broke ground on the long-awaited, $378 million route last week. It will run 24 miles east and west along Washington Street, replacing Route 8, and is expected to open in 2028. (IBJ)
Sports
With Sunday’s game against the Bulls behind him, Tyrese Haliburton just became the first player in NBA history to record 500 assists in a season before recording 100 turnovers. Swish swish. (IndyStar)
Drink
Voodoo Brewing Co., a Pennsylvania-based craft brewery, is opening at 8729 Front St. in Fishers this summer. The establishment will feature “elevated” pub fare, Voodoo beer + Indiana-based beers, seltzers, non-alcoholic drinks, and a full bar. (IBJ)
Plan Ahead
Turn around, bright eyes. A total eclipse of the heart moon will take place in the early hours of Friday, March 14. Find out when you can catch the best view. (WTHR)
Number
32,035. That’s the net migration number of Americans who moved to Indiana in 2023, making it the No. 7 most popular US state to relocate to. We imagine the lower cost of living might have something to do with it. (The New York Times)
Small Biz
Calling all small biz owners. We’re gearing up for Small Business Week, a celebration of local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, let us highlight you by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Listen
Now that the NFL Combine is over, Locked On Colts is asking, “Did we just meet Anthony Richardson’s future replacement?”
Arts
We don’t know about you, but this year, we’re leaning into our creative side (think: more hobbies, less screen time). Want to immerse yourself in top-notch art instruction across 17 state-of-the-art studios? Check out the Indy Art Center’s classes, camps, and workshops for all ages and skill levels.*
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try INDYtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Eat
Since 1962, Clancy’s Hospitality has been a transformative force in the community. Today, it continues to pride itself on providing warm hospitality that makes all Hoosiers feel welcomed in all of its establishments. Take a walk down memory lane, and see what they have planned for 2025 (and beyond).*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Category
City Guide
🍩 Ate and left no crumbs
Start (or end) your day right with a steamy stuffed pastry from Circle City Kolache. | Photo by @circlecitykolache
What’s popping up faster than daffodils + tulips around the Circle City? New restaurants. Here’s your February roundup, as well as a peek at future spring openings — don’t forget to bookmark this list.
Mochi Joy Donuts, 8664 E. 96th St., Fishers
Indiana’s first mochi donut shop finally has its own storefront, complete with coffee drinks from Helm Coffee Roasters, boba tea, plants for sale, and more.
Freeland’s Restaurant, 875 Freeland Way, Carmel
This fine dining restaurant cooks up farm-to-table, Midwestern-meets-European dishes like pork n’duja cavatelli and shapkat.
Flower Child, 1340 E. 86th St., Nora
Enjoy healthy, flavorful food like a ginger miso crunch salad or chicken yakisoba noodles.
Circle City Kolache, 1521 N. Green St. Ste. D, Brownsburg
The steamy stuffed Czech pastry options include bacon + cheese steakburger, breakfast burrito, blackberry, and more.
Tilly’s Tea Room, 8745 E. 116th St., Fishers
Tilly’s is spilling the tea with authentic British fish + chips, filthy fries, robust soups, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches.
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
“Saturday Night Live” and “Only Murders in the Building” fans, get ready: Steve Martin and Martin Short are coming to Old National Centre on Saturday, Oct. 25. Presales start tomorrow at 10 a.m.
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