Massachusetts Avenue Commercial District (Indianapolis, Indiana)

 NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, draw only border, historic district

www.discovermassave.com
Mass Ave evolves through history
A few blocks northeast of Monument Circle, Massachusetts Avenue was designed in 1821 as one of Downtown’s four original diagonal streets. It began as a commercial area mainly for the surrounding neighborhood.

With the development of streetcar lines, more people took advantage of Mass Ave’s service-oriented businesses. Positioned along several streetcar and interurban routes, it was a continuously growing and happening place between 1870 and 1930.

German influence
Bernard Vonnegut, grandfather of Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut, and Arthur Bohn designed the Athenaeum in 1893 as a place for members of local German societies to gather. Both were American-born sons of German immigrants, a culture that had a strong influence in the area around this time.

Musical Interludes
Oscar D. Bohlen designed the Murat Shrine in 1909, modeling it after an Islamic mosque. By 1984, the Murat had the largest membership of any Shrine temple in the world. Theater was first brought to the Murat in 1910, starting a strong theatrical tradition. The facility officially became the Murat Centre in 1996 after receiving an $11 million renovation. This helped bring visitors to Mass Ave by showcasing great performances, including Broadway shows, popular music acts and more.

New shops, restaurants and other businesses made their home on Mass Ave, furthering the area’s growth. O'Malia's Food Market, Downtown’s only grocery store, opened in the old Sears Roebuck & Co. building. Organizations such as Riley Area Development Corp., formed in 1979, assist in the development of Mass Ave.

Mass Ave now holds the status of the city’s foremost arts and theater district. Residents, shopkeepers, artists, restaurateurs and many others continue believing in it, helping Mass Ave grow and flourish.