The Schnull Rauch House is the only remaining historic home of its era along Meridian Street not to have been demolished or remodeled as offices. | Photo courtesy of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, “Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.” Perhaps he was speaking from his own experience; Kurt’s father and grandfather were both famous architects who helped design some of Indy’s most iconic buildings.
Let’s take a look at a few that are still standing today.
Originally named Das Deutsche Haus, the building received its new moniker in 1918 in response to anti-German sentiments in the US during World War I.
Photo courtesy of The Athenaeum Foundation
1897: The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St.
Upon its construction, this German Renaissance Revival building was one of the largest social clubhouses in the US. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is now home to the Rathskeller, Coat Check Coffee, and the Turner Gymnasium.
1904: Schnull-Rauch residence, 3050 N. Meridian St.
Bernard Vonnegut was commissioned by his sister-in-law to design this French Romanesque mansion, which features a castle-inspired tower. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and after changing hands in 2009, became an event space known as The Manor at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Storytelling Drawing | 1:30-3 p.m. | Harrison Center | Free | Listen, converse, and create with fellow community members as you exchange stories.
Roam & Stow Launch Party | 5-8 p.m. | North Mass Boulder | Free | Celebrate the rebrand of the gym’s retail store with special deals + free kombucha (while supplies last).
Get Smart About the College Selection Process | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Carmel Clay Public Library | Free | Register to learn about the fundamentals of finding a college that fits you or your high school-aged student.
Friday, April 18
Spring Wildflower Hike | 1-2:30 p.m. | Holliday Park | $10 | Grow on a leisurely guided spring hike to see what’s blooming.
Did you know this fest was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world? | Photos courtesy of 500 Festival, Inc.
Experience the excitement of May in Indianapolis with the 500 Festival, a month-long celebration leading up to the legendary Indianapolis 500.
Marking more than 60 years, the 500 Festival has become a Hoosier tradition that now welcomes over 500,000 attendees each year.
Whether you’re running in the Mini-Marathon, watching one of the nation’s top parades, or bringing the kids to Indiana’s largest youth festival, there’s something for everyone.
Save the dates for these can’t-miss events with fun for every age:
Wednesday, April 30 | 500 Festival Kickoff to May
Saturday, May 3 | Mini-Marathon + 5K
Saturday, May 10 | Kids’ Day + Rookie Run
Saturday, May 17 | Breakfast at the Brickyard
Friday, May 23 | Memorial Service
Saturday, May 24 | AES 500 Festival Parade
Be part of the celebration, make memories together, and stay connected through this month-long fest.
What happens when a southern surge of warmth + moisture meets a cold front? A severe storm risk, which is projected for this Friday night. Stay up to date. (WTHR)
Sports
Move over, Mad Ants. With its upcoming relocation to The Arena at Innovation Mile, the Pacers’ G League affiliate team has announced its new name: The Noblesville Boom. The rebrand is a tribute to the iconic “boom, baby!” phrase, which has been tied to the Pacers for 50 years.
Announced
Fishers-based developer The Annex Management Group Inc. is planning a $60-million apartment project with 225+ units in the Old Southside neighborhood. The apartments will be priced for individuals and families making up to 60% of the area’s median income. A name and timeline have not been shared. (IBJ)
Development
In other construction news, Westfield just cleared plans for another new hotel — the second approved in just five weeks. This one, a 144-room Element by Westin by Marriott, will be constructed north of the US 31 and East 191st Street intersection, about five minutes from the Grand Park Sports Campus. (IndyStar)
Traffic
Fletcher Place + Fountain Square residents partnered this weekend to create a new pedestrian path along the southernmost lane of the Calvary Street bridge to connect their neighborhoods and improve safety. The $13,000 project was half-funded by city dollars and will run through October. (IndyStar)
Environment
Earth Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 22 — and you can celebrate early by volunteering with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. The nonprofit is conducting eight community cleanups this Saturday, April 19. Volunteers of all ages can sign up here.
Listen
Let’s talk the 2025 NFL Draft — what’s the Colts’ strategy? Locked On gets into it.
Arts
Get ready to feast your senses at Downtown Dinner Theatre’s debut performance, “Imagination,” happening May 2-18. Hoosiers can immerse themselves in a show that transports attendees beyond reality while they enjoy a meal. Grab tickets to this can’t-miss experience + use code INDY for $5 off an individual ticket.*
Calling all small business owners. Features in our 2025 Parents Gift Guide are now 20% off. Secure a spot for your business’s product or service by using code PGG2025 at checkout.
The Buy
Really cute waterdrop earrings, with one pair of gold and one pair of silver for $12.99. The minimalist earrings hug ears + look heavy while feeling surprisingly lightweight.
Looking for a community cleanup opportunity that’s a little more aye, aye cap’n?Join Newfields on Saturday, May 3 for a paddle down the White River to collect debris. Hey Google, play Nickelback’s “Rockstar Sea Shanty.”
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