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Wholesale District Information
The Wholesale District is one of six designated cultural districts in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Located on the southern fringe of Downtown Indianapolis,
the Wholesale District contains many of Indianapolis' premier attractions, such
as the RCA Dome and Conseco Fieldhouse.
Prior to its designation as a cultural district, the Wholesale District was one
of Downtown Indianapolis' most decayed and blighted areas.
Around the turn of the 20th century Indianapolis had one of the largest
networks of railroads in the USA and hundreds of trains passed through Union
Station daily, the streets local to the station were lined with businesses,
hotels, warehouses, retail shops and more. Wholesale grocers sold fresh goods
daily before the advent of the modern grocery store. The district had many such
grocers, but also wholesalers who sold dry and finished goods. The House of
Crane, whose facade remains part of Circle Centre, sold cigars; Hanson, VanCamp
& Co. sold hardware. In addition, South Delaware Street became known as
Commission Row, where farmers brought their produce to merchants who sold the
goods for a commission fee. The Wholesale District was of primary importance in
the transformation of Indianapolis from small town to big city. No longer did
shoppers have to rely on retailers who sold finished goods shipped from
Louisville or Cincinnati. They could now go to a central location and buy the
same items at wholesale prices. With Union Station nearby, wholesalers could
ship goods more cheaply and more easily. Unfortunately, the Great Depression
devastated the area and few businesses remained.
Since 1995, more than $686 million has been invested in the area, transforming
it into one of the city's premier arts and entertainment districts. Recent
additions include more than 35 new businesses, Circle Centre, Conseco
Fieldhouse, and a number of upscale restaurants. The area also includes the
Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, which
recently (as of When?)underwent a $2.5 million renovation.