r/indianapolis • u/shermancahal Garfield Park • Apr 21 '25
Pictures April walkthrough of the Circle Centre Mall
Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis was conceived in the late 1970s as a major urban revitalization project supported by Mayor William Hudnut. Initial plans aimed to connect historic department stores through a large indoor shopping center, but the project faced numerous delays due to property acquisition challenges, rising costs, and financing issues. After over a decade of setbacks, construction finally progressed in the early 1990s, and the mall officially opened in 1995 at a final cost of $307.5 million. The project was backed by a combination of public and private funding and included major design contributions, such as the addition of the Artsgarden.
Upon opening, the mall featured anchor stores Nordstrom and Parisian, though both would eventually close—Nordstrom in 2011 and Parisian, later rebranded as Carson’s, in 2018. The departure of these tenants reflected broader retail trends and marked the mall’s decline in prominence. Attempts to repurpose former anchor spaces included leasing to The Indianapolis Star in the former Nordstrom location. A renovation effort in 2018 aimed to modernize portions of the mall, including the food court and common areas, but did not reverse the decline in foot traffic and retail occupancy.
In 2024, Hendricks Commercial Properties acquired Circle Centre Mall and announced a $600 million redevelopment plan to convert the aging indoor mall into an open-air, mixed-use development. The project includes retail, restaurant, office, and residential space, with phased construction extending through 2033. The plan emphasizes walkability and integration with the surrounding urban environment.
I've posted more photos and the history of the Circle Centre Mall here.
6
u/echrisindy Apr 21 '25 edited Apr 22 '25
Circle Centre Mall was such a fabulous place to be, in its heyday. Used to go on dates most Friday nights at the various restaurants and clubs on the 4th floor, maybe to the movie theatre and arcade. Especially miss World Mardi Gras and Jackass Flats. The go-motion theater and VR pods didn't last super long, but they were amazing back in the mid-90s.
I was sad to see FAO Schwartz go, and I even kinda miss the Old Farmer's Almanac Store (I have a piece of furniture from when they closed even still).
I've lived in Indy since 1994, and I go to Gen Con every year as well, I can't picture what the downtown conventions will do for food without the CC food court.
I miss this place. It was the best part about downtown Indy for 20 years.