In a landmark event for the city’s hospitality landscape, the InterContinental Indianapolis officially opened its doors Tuesday, marking the debut of the first luxury hotel in downtown Indianapolis in two decades.
“This is an opportunity to preserve a part of history and breathe new life to a building in the heart of the capital city,” said Ersal Ozdemir, founder of the Keystone Group, the developers behind the Intercontinental.
The grand opening ceremony, held at the meticulously restored Illinois Building at 17 West Market St., was attended by city officials, business leaders and community members, all eager to witness the transformation of this historic landmark into a beacon of modern luxury.
“It’s really important to us to make sure we keep Indianapolis strong for many years to come,” Ozdemir said. “This city is a great city.”
The Illinois Building, originally constructed in 1926, has undergone a $120 million restoration led by the locally based Keystone Group. Once listed among Indiana’s most endangered landmarks, the building now stands as a testament to architectural preservation and urban revitalization.
“It’s hard to build these kind of buildings anymore,” Ozdemir said. “It’s hard work … We love the challenge.”
The InterContinental Indianapolis features 170 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. The two new dining concepts helmed by award-winning Chef Craig Baker are Serlina, an all-day restaurant serving elevated classics, and Astrea, the city’s first rooftop bar overlooking Monument Circle and the State Capitol building. The hotel also contains a 2,500-square-foot ballroom and a penthouse suite offering panoramic city views. The 11 stories boast a preserved historic entry, Murano chandeliers and a hand-blown glass chandelier that suspends three stories.
The hotel’s opening is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy by attracting both leisure and business travelers seeking upscale accommodations in the heart of the city. Its proximity to the Indiana State Capitol and other downtown attractions positions it as a central hub for visitors. The restoration project has not only preserved a piece of Indianapolis history but also created new opportunities for tourism and commerce, reinforcing the city’s status as a destination for luxury travel and business.
“We’ve developed over $3 billion in Indiana and a lot of the metropolitan Indianapolis area,” Ozdemir said. “We would like to continue our commitment … in this beautiful state.”
Gov. Mike Braun commented on the economic impact at the ribbon cutting, citing that his administration will continue to encourage economic growth and entrepreneurs like Ozdemir.
“I think for all of us to be here, to celebrate a day like this, we need more of it,” Braun said. “I know (Odemir is) going to keep doing it. As long as I’m governor … we’re going to see more of it.”
For more information about Intercontinental Indianapolis and to book your stay, visit ihg.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
