The Madam Walker Legacy Center hosted a “sky breaking” ceremony for its coming rooftop event venue on Wednesday.
Organizers with the historic building say the plans include a bar and a 49-seat space with couches and tables looking toward the Indianapolis skyline.
Wednesday’s ceremony represents the start of the final phase of work on the new space. It’s been in the works since 2021, when the Madam Walker Legacy Center reopened after major renovations.
The rooftop is designed to host smaller, more intimate events and programming.
President and CEO Kristian Stricklen says there’s a lot of demand for these kinds of spaces in Indianapolis.
“We are also still in the downtown area,” Stricklen said. “We want to be accessible and as competitive as some of the other venues that are in the downtown area for that business.”
The space will open during the Madam Walker Legacy Center‘s 99th year, and in time for its centennial celebrations next year.
Stricklen says it will give people a great view, right behind the iconic Walker Theater sign.
“This beautiful space on (Indiana Avenue) that will just be where you can see all of downtown at one time,” Stricklen said. “It is very symbolic. I think Madam Walker would be pleased.”
The rooftop space is set to open sometime this spring.
This article was written by WISH TV reporter Hernan Gutierrez.