Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District

The Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District is a neighborhood of about 40 buildings surrounding the central Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The layout connects shops, restaurants, and public buildings through walkable streets designed for foot traffic.

The district grew with buildings erected between 1852 and 1946, showing different architectural styles of those decades. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, marking its importance to Indianapolis's urban development.

The district contains performance venues and a cathedral that together form the cultural heart of downtown Indianapolis. These buildings show how the city has gathered for entertainment and religious gatherings over generations.

The district is easy to explore on foot since buildings connect through a network of linked streets. You will find multiple entrances to theaters, shops, and dining options distributed throughout the area.

The L.S. Ayres & Co. department store from 1905 underwent multiple expansions that reveal the district's growth phases. These additions show how the business thrived alongside the neighborhood's development.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 39.76778,-86.15806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03