It’s difficult not to feel nostalgic for all the wonderful (and wild) times we’ve had in 2018. And we’re just getting started. Here’s a look back at the year’s most memorable moments at Bottleworks District.
Preview Tours (February 17th)
Nearly a year before groundbreaking, we opened our doors to curious residents eager for a glimpse of the long-famous and inaccessible Coca Cola Bottling Plant. And, it was so popular, we hosted more residents in February of this year. The sold-out events offered guided tours of the property, VR tours of the coming Bottleworks District, voting on local food vendor favorites, and (of course) food trucks. All proceeds from the event were donated to Indiana Landmarks who work to protect Indiana’s most meaningful places.
PATTERN Magazine Vol.13 Release Party (April 7th)
To celebrate the launch of the 13th issue of their biannual magazine, Indianapolis-based creative community organization PATTERN hosted a one of a kind event [JH1] in the travertine-floored loading docks of the former Coca Cola Bottling Plant. The unusually cold weather didn’t stop crowds from pouring in while DJ’s played from an elevated stage overseeing partygoers who danced among the Quincy Owens light installations and had their photos taken in front of the custom backdrop. The drinks were flowing, the art was interactive, and the memories were lasting.
Groundbreaking (June 29th)
On a very warm day in June we officially kicked off the construction phase of Bottleworks District. We were joined by Mayor Joe Hogsett, IEDC President Elaine Bedel, City-County Councilor Vop Osili, and west elm Hotels Principal Kim Phoebus, among others. Tours were given to media and attendees and the event was catered by local Mass Ave restaurants.
Yuncker Family Reunion (June 30th)
The day after groundbreaking, we invited the family of bottling plant founders, Jim and Lee Yuncker, to travel to Indianapolis and tour the site before renovations began. They shared memories from their childhood, family legends, and exchanged stories about the building’s beautiful history and its place in the Indianapolis community. It was even an opportunity to meet long lost relatives for the first time and learn more about their heritage.
ORANJE (September 22nd)
Contemporary arts and music festival ORANJE hosted its 14th and final iteration in the future site of The Garage food hall. Artists, musicians, and patrons interacted across three floors of art installations, stages, vendor booths, and one very stylishly appointed lounge courtesy of west elm Hotels. It was lively and vibrant, there were fog machines and dance crews, and the night provided more photo ops than could fit in an Instagram story.
It’s been a good year. A really good year. And this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see how the space evolves with the community in 2019 and we’re excited to play host for the ride. Thank you to all who helped make this a banner year and we look forward to doing it all again in 2019.