There’s a particular stillness to downtown Indianapolis in the early morning—the kind that settles between historic façades and wide Midwestern skies. On West Market Street, just as the city begins to stir, the InterContinental Indianapolis stands as a quiet dialogue between past and present, its 1920s bones reimagined with a distinctly modern sensibility.
Housed within a landmark building, the hotel leans into its architectural heritage without becoming beholden to it. The exterior retains its stately, early 20th-century character—ornamental yet restrained—while the interiors unfold in a language that feels altogether contemporary. It’s this tension, between history and now, that defines the experience from the moment you step inside.
The lobby sets the tone. Rather than overwhelming with grandeur, it invites with intention: clean lines, layered textures, and a palette that plays in soft neutrals, punctuated by deeper, grounding tones. There’s a sense of spatial clarity—nothing feels excessive, yet every detail has been considered. The design subtly nods to the building’s origins while introducing a quieter, more refined rhythm suited to today’s traveler.
In the guestrooms—170 in total—the aesthetic shifts toward calm precision. Generous workspaces anchor the rooms, signaling a clear understanding of the modern “blended travel” mindset, where business and leisure coexist seamlessly. Beautyrest mattresses promise deep rest, while the surrounding design—plush textiles, understated furnishings, and thoughtful lighting—creates an atmosphere that feels both polished and personal. The balance is deliberate: efficient without ever feeling impersonal.
Materials do much of the storytelling here. Smooth wood finishes meet soft upholstery; metallic accents catch the light without demanding attention. The effect is cohesive rather than showy—design that reveals itself slowly, in the way a chair curves just right or a surface feels under your hand.
Public spaces extend this sensibility. The 460 square meters of event space are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing meetings to feel less rigid, more human. And then there’s the Astrea Rooftop Bar, where the design opens outward. Here, the city becomes part of the interior narrative: Monument Circle framed like a living postcard, the skyline shifting with the light. It’s a space that invites pause—a counterpoint to the structured energy below.
Even the fitness area reflects the hotel’s broader design philosophy: spacious, uncluttered, quietly motivating.
Architecture
original 1920s landmark building
Design
Cassina, Oluce