Downtown Indy Design Safari
This article is part of Indianapolis Monthly’s The New Downtown package, which includes a guide to five hotspots, a few big city problems, and a look at what’s next for the city. For more content on navigating the new downtown, click here.
RCA Dome Fabric Lanterns
Where East 10th Street’s I-65 underpass
Who Storrow Kinsella Associates for the East 10th Street Civic Association, Indianapolis Fabrications
Sutton Says “This is my favorite repurposing of People for Urban Progress’s RCA Dome fabric.”
Get the Look Indianapolis Fabrications’s varied portfolio includes a custom bed frame and a BBQ trailer—a perfect hire for a one-of-a-kind element at home.
“Pipe Down!” Installation
Where Circa apartments
Who Kipp Normand, Nick Allman D+F
Sutton Says “This quirky mystery machine is comprised of an old air compressor and a tangle of corroded pipes, valves, and fittings that were salvaged from the Mitchel & Scott building.”
Get the Look Normand accepts commissions for “whimsical assemblages” that reimagine historic objects.
Merrill Street Platform
Where Cultural Trail in Fletcher Place
Who Luur for Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
Sutton Says “Is it a bench? A sculpture? A ramp? Meh, who cares? Wedged in the middle of a charming pocket park, this sexy, dynamic little platform provides visitors a place to sit … or tilt.”
Get the Look Luur studio sells its furniture online and at its Carmel showroom.
Fire Station No. 7
Where Fort Wayne Avenue
Sutton Says “Axis was asked to scrap this design for fear its bold colors and modern form were not appropriate. A victory for good design in the city.”
Get the Look If you want to build an award-winning, innovative custom home, this is who you call.
The Vestibule at Union 50
Where 620 N. East St.
Who Phanomen/design, Centerline Studio
Sutton Says “This element cleverly communicates what is happening inside the restaurant while preserving the historic front facade.”
Get the Look Centerline makes custom architectural elements, such as staircases, tables, countertops, and shelving.
Indy Reads Books Counter
Where 911 Massachusetts Ave.
Who Nikki Sutton, Nick Allman D+F
Sutton Says “An exercise in resourcefulness. Nick—my fiance, incidentally—knocked my socks off by utilizing all of my free materials, like boxes of unsellable hardback books.”
Get the Look Nick Allman creates brilliantly detailed furniture and built-ins.
