A Legacy Worth Preserving

A Historic Redevelopment Project by Henderson Development

Located in the heart of Indiana Avenue, Castle Hall is a time-worn monument (c. 1910-1912)—a cornerstone of Indy’s vibrant history, on the cusp of an exciting new future.

The future home of

CASTLE HALL

We believe that new ideas can come from old places and that buildings hold stories, memories and experiences. We see beauty, potential and deep roots here. We see legacy, collaboration and a commitment to beauty, equity and culture. At Castle Hall, we are sustaining the electric spirit of Indiana Avenue for today.

Funding and support by:

Central Indiana Community Foundation

Indiana Landmarks

IU Health

Mellon Foundation

National Trust for Historic Preservation
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

GangGang

National Trust for Historic Preservation

“I bought the building because it was a burden on my heart that history was being erased here. This building is proof of life for the African-American community in Indianapolis. Proof that we have not been erased and all lost. Our history is still here.”

— Alan Henderson

About Us

Vision:

Castle Hall once again becomes a social and community hub for the neighborhood, preserving and protecting culture for generations to come.

Mission:

To protect identity, culture, and history through place, supporting innovation, resilience and the aspirations of African American people in Indianapolis.

Core Values

Remembrance

Justice

Courage

Love

Honor

Resilience

Integrity

Beauty

Future

What Castle Hall tenants and neighbors can expect:

Provide protected space for community, business, and innovation to collide

Help to repair some of the damage done by the loss of cultural heritage

Maximize the potential of every square foot and every dream

Steward the neighborhood stories forward

Educate the community about entrepreneurship and equitable development

Spark a movement toward cultural heritage in the built environment

History

Castle Hall: A Brief History

1910–1912
CKOP constructed as the Castle Hall of Indiana’s branch of the Colored Knights of Pythias, the largest Black fraternal organization of the time. The Colored Knights of Pythias touted “Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence” as their motto and mission. The fraternal organization promoted universal peace and harmony between men, while also providing community services such as insurance, burial services, and other welfare activities for members.

1910–1946
Castle Hall thrives a place of Black culture and community

1947
Castle Hall sold in to Stuart’s Moving & Storage

XXX–XXX
Mass erasure / systemic dismantling by Unigov, desegregation, busing, city planning

YEAR ABANDONED
Castle Hall remains vacant for decades

2013
The Cultural Trail was installed in 2013 bringing vibrancy to the area again

2024
Castle Hall bought by Alan Henderson, owner of Henderson Development

A History Worth Preserving

The three-story brick Colored Knights of Pythias Castle Hall at the corner of Senate and Walnut Streets was constructed in 1910 and dedicated in 1911 by four Indianapolis lodges of the Colored Knights of Pythias who formed a Castle Hall association. It was hoped the building would serve as a central location for African-American lodges of the state’s fraternal order of Knights of Pythias. The building contained street-level storefronts, a grand central staircase, and three large lodge meeting rooms. A large assembly hall features a stage with proscenium and emblems of the fraternal society are found throughout the building. The building was designed by Indianapolis architect Frank B. Hunter with simple features of the Tudor Revival style.