Known as “the ugliest house in America,” the Kessler Mansion has been on the market for years. Now, you can shop its… unique items at an estate sale.
Finding curtains to fit all these windows would be… time-consuming. | Photo by INDYtoday team
The sale
Today from 1-7 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., you can explore the many dolphin sculptures, furniture, and “Fruit Works” soda machine as you take a peek into the house you’ve undoubtedly been curious about for years. We’ve all been curious.
According to the property’s realtor, anything not nailed down is for sale. Prices range from $1-$1,000, depending on the item. Not all of the items are original to the home — some have been used for Airbnb staging. Before you ask, the house will no longer be available for short-term renting.
Pro tip: Parking is available at the lot across the street.
There’s just so much to look at in this space. | Photo by INDYtoday team
The house
At 4923 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr., the modest, ranch-style version of the home was built in 1953, but in the 1960s it was transformed into the estate it is today. Now, it has 10 bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms. It’s 29,000+ sqft with a 1.66-acre lot, three-car garage, a stone grotto with a hot tub, swimming pool, and life-size gorilla statues (because why not?).
IndyStar described the original owner as an “almost-famous pimp-turned-construction mini-magnate,” and he owned it until his death in 2006. The property switched hands several times after that, and though the current owner’s identity is unknown, they will apparently be working with the neighborhood to plan next steps. We’lllearn more about that in mid-July.
The “kitschy Indianapolis landmark” has been discussed by sources like Fodor’s Travel + the New York Post. The HuffPost called it “Midwestern Vegas Versailles,” and according to real estate site Curbed, “Absolutely everything is wrong with this Indiana house.” This is mostly due to its scattered design focus — a result of the original owner’s dreams.
Fun fact: the Baha Men stayed at this house for a few weeks in 2010. We’re sorry if “Who Let the Dogs Out?” is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
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Every Brilliant Thing | Fri., June 17-Sun., June 26 | Various times | District Theatre Mainstage, 627 Mass Ave. | $20+ | Watch star Ben Asaykwee tell a story of depression, hope + uncertainty. 🎭
Faire-Share Market Adult Swim | Fri., June 17 | 3-6 p.m. | The parking lot at Cornerstone Bread Co., 840 N. Meridian St. | Free | Beat the heat + cool off with the cheapest happy hour in town, pool-themes + water-balloon fights while supporting local woman-owned businesses.*
Saturday
Annual Irvington Community Yard Sale | Sat., June 18 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Irvington neighborhood | Cost of purchase | Look for signs on East Washington Street + South Audubon Road for sales around the neighborhood. 🛍️
Indy Juneteenth Festival | Sat., June 18 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Celebration Plaza, White River State Park | Free | Dance academies, schools, and performers like Native Sun will be at this event — the parade starts at 10 a.m. 🎤
Talbot Street Art Fair | Sat., June 18 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Between 16th + 20th Streets, Herron-Morton neighborhood | Free | A family-friendly juried art fair with over 200 nationwide artists. 🎨
Major Taylor Festival | Sat., June 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Indiana State Museum | Free | Celebrate the life and legacy of Marshall “Major” Taylor with live performances by local artists, exhibits throughout the museum + front lawn, food trucks, and hands-on activities. 🚴
5th Annual Indy Book Fest + Juneteenth Celebration | Sat., June 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Indianapolis Central Library | Free | This celebration will include all-ages activities, a live DJ, local Black authors, and a 360 photo booth. 📚
Sunday
Dad’s Steak Night | Sun., June 19 | 4 p.m. | Sur La Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste. 100, Carmel | $79 | If dad’s favorite meal is steak and potatoes, then there’s no better way to celebrate them. 🥩
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Another day, another Marsh makeover. The former Castleton-area supermarket, partially occupied by Aldi, will have a new tenant — Havertys Furniture. It will occupy 22,000 sqft and will move out of its current location at 8410 Castleton Corner. Learn more.🪑(IBJ)
Festivals
The Indiana State Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming to the Marion County Fairgrounds on Aug. 20-21. The event will include a kids zone, vendor booths, food, and of course, hot air balloon rides. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Special Olympics. 🎈
Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival is happening from July 9-24. It’s the fifth year for the Academy Award-qualifying festival and you can watch in person or from your couch. The schedule will be released on Thurs., June 23. Grab those tickets. 🎥
Show
Have a father figure who loves planes? The Indianapolis Executive Airport is hosting a free Father’s Day air show — Wings Over Indy — on Sat., June 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It involves aerobatic performances + family activities. Get the details. ✈️
Active
Indiana Sports Corp’s “Indy Ultimate” race is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 10, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. During the ~5-mile event, participants will race through several iconic Indy landmarks. Pro tip: Sign up before Tues., June 21 to get the lowest price.
Environment
On Sat., June 18, the Marion County Public Health Department’s Mosquito Control program will host a Tire Recycle Day. Hoosiers can recycle up to six passenger vehicle tires so that they don’t collect water + become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Find out the drop-off locations.🦟 (WFYI)
Number
$100,000 has been given to the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis by the United Way of Central Indiana to provide healthy meals to Hoosier kids living at or below the poverty level. They will be distributed at the Y’s Before & After School program sites in 13 school districts and seven charter schools.
Holiday
This Sunday is Juneteenth, which marks the end of institutional slavery in the US. Commemorate the day by attending the Benjamin Harrison’s Presidential Site’s Juneteenth Foodways Festival tonight or head to Flanner House for festivities and the ribbon-cutting for a new wellness house.
Stat
46% of millennials feel strongly about the effects of external factors such asrising interest rates and inflation, according to Opendoor’s financial considerations survey in their 2022 Trends Report. 🏡*
Shop
Indy’s looking so bright we need sunglasses — Vincero sunglasses, that is. Your weekend adventures + happy hours deserve a great pair of shades, and Vincero premium eyewear checks all the boxes: High-quality, ethically made, and (best of all) 20% off. 🕶️ *
A health message from our sponsor
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Editor’s pick: I’m looking forward to kicking off the summer with our new Drink Up campaign. Pro tip: We’re looking for community partners.Send us your favorite local drink spots (of any kind) so we can cheers together. 🥂
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