Welcome to Massachusetts Avenue
The bustling Massachusetts Avenue commercial district is located just steps away from downtown Indianapolis. The neighborhood is one of the designated Cultural Districts in Indianapolis and has long been considered the Arts and Theater district in the city. Around the Civil War era, construction began on modest homes for the working class, as well as larger and more elegant houses for the middle and upper classes. Off the main streets, there are plenty of charming, well-maintained homes for those looking for a friendly place to raise a family. But step onto Massachusetts Avenue, and you’ll find a haven for young professionals seeking culture, nightlife, trendy restaurants and shopping. There you will find more contemporary housing, including a number of condos in new buildings and lofts in repurposed historic buildings.
Attractions in walking distance include the historic Athenaeum (home of restaurants, a bar, a beer garden, and a YMCA), the Old National Centre (A-list performances in the classic Deco-design Murat Theatre), and live performance at the Phoenix Theatre. The growing Indianapolis City Market is making a solid comeback and offers a number of food choices. Every Wednesday all summer, the street in front of City Market is blocked off to host one of the best Farmer’s Markets in Indianapolis.
Situated in the Mass Ave corridor, the Bottleworks District is a $300 million, 12-acre urban mixed-use development. Bottleworks will reimagine the iconic Coca-Cola building downtown Indianapolis. It will serve as a culinary, arts and entertainment hub, featuring the city’s first food hall, a hotel and unique residential options, as well as creative office space and prime retail space.
You can explore historic Chatham Arch neighborhood by bicycle or foot on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. This safe and convenient path provides access to other neighborhoods of interest. Massachusetts Avenue at 10th Street is the beginning of the Monon Trail, a 26 mile shared use bike and pedestrian path that extends as far north as the towns of Carmel and Westfield in Hamilton County.
You can find out more about events and news about this vibrant neighborhood at Discover Massachusetts Avenue! Or learn how you can help preserve this historic neighborhood by joining the Chatham Arch Neighborhood Society.