Indianapolis City Market

The Market House is representative of market structures built in the heart of many American cities during the 19th century. The Indianapolis City Market was the second of two buildings set aside as farmers markets in the original 1821 plat of Indianapolis. During a period in American history when the head of the household would do the shopping early in the morning and return with the news of the day, the market served as a public forum, a place where ideas as well as commodities were exchanged. Today it still serves this important function.

Report of the Historic American Engineering Record HAER IN-6

The City Market is an excellent example of a specialized commercial building in an eclectic Italianate style. Designed by Indianapolis architect D.A. Bohlen in 1886, this was the second of two buildings erected on the site platted as an open air market in the original 1821 plan of the city. The interior of the central pavilion is a fine space defined by a series of light metal trusses.

Report of the Historic American Building Survey HABS IN-59