Indiana is getting its first Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel, which will add to the downtown Indianapolis skyline.
Hoosiers visiting the state's capital for business, leisure or a sporting event will have a new luxury lodging option downtown.
Boxcar Development, which is led by the Pacers owner and mall magnate Herb Simon, broke ground Friday on a 15-story tower at the site of the former CSX Building across from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers and Fever play in downtown Indianapolis. The development includes a 176-room hotel and a new 4,000-seat concert and live entertainment venue.
The hotel will feature 30 executive suites, over 11,500 square feet of ballrooms and meeting rooms, an upscale restaurant and a bar. It will be connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse via a third-story skybridge.
Marriott International, Sage Hospitality and Live Nation are partnering on the project, which will include a two-level underground parking garage.
"These investments reflect our family's long-standing commitment to Indianapolis and our pride in being part of its growth and future," Simon said. “These projects build on the momentum we’re seeing downtown, and elevate our hospitality and tourism industries to a new level.”
The luxury hotel will feature an outdoor terrace, a private lounge, a gym and other amenities.
“This groundbreaking represents more than a new hotel; it demonstrates what can be achieved when organizations unite around a shared vision,” Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano said. “Introducing The Ritz-Carlton to this development brings a globally recognized standard of luxury hospitality to a project that we are confident will energize downtown and draw visitors to this vibrant destination. We are proud to work alongside Boxcar Development and Sage Hospitality and look forward to welcoming guests to experience The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, best-in-class entertainment and the spirit of Indianapolis.”
Downtown Indianapolis, a major hub for hosting sporting events, is filled with hotels, including the "Big Blue" JW Marriott that Merrillville-based White Lodging built.
“This development is a reflection of Indianapolis’ status as a world-class city,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “The new music venue and hotel we break ground on today will help to elevate Indianapolis and our thriving hospitality industry. The positive momentum of our city’s urban core is undeniable as we continue to celebrate investments like this one.”
The new music venue is expected to employ more than 300 workers with wages starting at $20 an hour. Similar in size to the former Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, it is intended to fill the void between smaller clubs and arena shows.
“We’re proud to partner with Boxcar on a project that transforms a prominent site in the heart of downtown Indianapolis,” said Jordan Zachary, president of Global Venues at Live Nation. “This ballroom will fill an important gap in the city’s entertainment landscape, creating a natural next step between smaller venues and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It gives artists a place to grow their careers and fans a more intimate way to experience live music, while creating year-round jobs and supporting the continued revitalization of downtown.”
The music venue is expected to open in 2027 and the hotel in 2028.
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