Indianapolis' Abandoned Coca-Cola Plant Transformed into Vibrant Mixed-Use District

The Coca-Cola bottling plant in Indianapolis was a prominent landmark for decades. Built in the Art Deco style, it featured white terra cotta walls and intricate details. The main building was designed by Rubush & Hunter and constructed in 1931, with additions made in the 1940s.

Coca-Cola sold the property to the Indianapolis Public School system in 1968. It remained an IPS Service Center for nearly 50 years until Hendricks Commercial Properties purchased it in 2017. The redevelopment brought in Ratio Architects, LLC, who carefully restored thousands of exterior terra cotta tiles and revived hand-lettered gold leaf details.

The project preserved many original features, including glazed tile mosaics, balustrades, vaulted ceilings, and intricate design elements throughout the main building and garages. The site was also opened up to the surrounding neighborhood with improved access for drivers and pedestrians, connecting it to downtown Indianapolis and nearby cultural areas.

The Bottleworks District now includes a hotel and food hall, among other community-focused spaces. This redevelopment brought significant investment to the area, making it one of the largest private projects in Indiana.