By Jeff Kibler
The 1930s-era Art Deco Indianapolis Coca-Cola Bottling Plant employed thousands of workers throughout some of the nation’s most turbulent decades—until the 1960s, when plant owners moved their expanding bottling operations to Speedway, Indiana, leaving behind one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. After years of steady deterioration, Hendricks Commercial Properties saved the architectural gem from ruin by initiating a grand restoration project for the long-neglected Bottleworks District.
Reviving a historic landmark
As director of preservation for Indianapolis-based RATIO Architects, Dave Kroll and his design team were chosen to transform the fading North Mass Avenue property into a 139-room boutique hotel and garage food hall while resurrecting its past splendor. This anchor project launched the first phase of the anticipated $300-million overhaul.
“We get into buildings that have been around for a long time for good reason—they are well-built and have served a significant and worthwhile purpose in society. We retain as many of the features and materials as possible and replicate what cannot be saved,” says Kroll.
The original Coca-Cola Bottling Plant and garages comprised the oldest and most lavish structures in the Bottleworks complex, and great care was taken to preserve the design’s historical integrity. One of the site’s most treasured features, the exquisite terra cotta facade, steadily deteriorated due to weathering and neglect. A team of specialty masons made painstaking efforts to repair and restore the exterior to its original grandeur.
Meticulous window restoration process
Julie Zent, historic window specialist for RATIO, took on the intricate task of matching the 150-plus original wood windows that once complimented the plant’s decorative exterior. She worked with Dan Kovas of Huntertown, Indiana-based G-2 Architectural Products for nearly two years to orchestrate window design details, specifications, updates, and product delivery. All historical replications were sourced through the author’s firm in Wisconsin.
To qualify for historic rehabilitation tax credits and receive local historic district approval, Zent coordinated with three organizations at the local, state, and federal levels—the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the National Park Service (NPS). The sign-off process required close communication and cooperation since approvals at all three levels were essential.
For a project of this magnitude, the design team had to create models in advance before moving to production. While most of the bottling plant’s windows had been discarded in favor of low-cost replacements, some originals remained in the garages.
Combining modern technology with traditional craftsmanship
“Knowing what to do and doing it early was crucial to staying on track. On our first day on-site, Jeff and I were able to get samples of the original window components and get them back to Wisconsin for analysis,” says Kovas.
Although deteriorated, they could get accurate dimensions from those windows, eventually allowing them to duplicate the design. This saved time, money, and hassle. If no original units had been left in place, Zent’s team would have relied solely on documentation, drawings, and photos to calculate sizes.
During the ongoing historical approval process, Kovas closely collaborated with the author and his firm’s team to implement any necessary architectural modifications and adjustments.
“The exciting part of obtaining the artifact samples was enabling the Weather Shield crew to initially create plastic 3D printer replicas of the wood components so the architects could make modifications before we moved into the shop drawing phase,” says Kovas. “This added precision to the operation and ultimately accelerated the timeline for approval.”
Once the detailed side-by-side shop drawings of the original unit and the proposed replication were finalized, Broderick and his team could create a full-sized mockup in their workshop.
“The multistep process was a combination of modern technology and old-school woodworking,” noted Kovas.
A new era for the Bottleworks District
The resulting design included three customized components: brick mold, sash lug, and bottom sill. In addition, the team matched the original exterior Coca-Cola paint color. They also provided several historically accurate stains and colors for the various interior spaces, including a designer stain to match the paneled office spaces.
“The window replication process is complex. Fortunately, our local and state people worked well together to reach a consensus. Discussion on changes often included up to nine people weighing the pros and cons and working towards a resolution,” explains Zent.
One of those early discussions occurred at the mockup installation site, where a group of developers, architects, and historical advisors gathered to view the product and compare the details to one of the original units. The side-by-side contrast created a then-and-now visual that displayed the craftsmanship that went into the beautiful replication. Onlookers could see the window as it looked nearly 100 years ago—with modern weatherproofing added to the design.
The window and door manufacturer first produced a mockup, allowing the various contributors time to provide feedback. After minor tweaks were requested, the core design was approved the first time around.
Although the original windows were double-hung, the design team required the sashes to be fixed for climate control. In contrast, the garage windows were designed to be fully functional double-hung units. All specified product directives were completed at the manufacturing plant before shipping.
The manufacturer provided 14 different sizes in four separate configurations. Due to the complexity of the terra cotta restoration, the openings varied in size throughout, resulting in subtle modifications to multiple units.
Installer and entrepreneur Sean Edwards of National Glass & Hardware LLC worked with the window team from the early days of the mockup. His crew carefully removed the old units while working with terra cotta artisans to repair any delicate crumbling components.
“The installation was implemented in phases as different portions of the facade neared completion. We installed the windows in various sizes, which were extremely maneuverable,” said Edwards.
In addition to the ornate exterior restoration, the RATIO team also designed the Art Deco interior spaces. As Bottleworks Hotel visitors return from foodie outings or a game of Indy-style duck pin bowling, they will be dazzled by an impeccably refurbished lobby filled with colorful polished tile and shining brass fixtures, evoking an atmosphere of a bygone era.
The aesthetic impact of the design is already turning heads in downtown Indy. The clean lines of the historic window design complement the sparkling terra cotta restoration. The hotel welcomed its first guests on December 15, 2020, while putting the finishing touches on its office spaces.
The nearby garage food halls unveiled 14 restaurants and shops on January 5, 2021. Designed as a marketplace, the 3,344-m2 (36,000-sf) venue expanded in spring 2021 with additional shops, offices, and increased parking, while also offering live music for an enhanced visitor experience.
As Phase I of the Bottleworks Restoration neared completion, Kroll reflected, “Our duty is to preserve the character of the building while finding innovative ways to create new uses for spaces—windows are an integral part of the authentic design.”
Author
As the director of architectural development at Weather Shield Windows & Doors, Jeff Kibler leads a team of internal and external consultants dedicated to supporting the architectural community with tailored solutions for their fenestration needs. He oversees the creation of tools and resources that help architects specify his firm’s products and drive commercial sales growth. With more than 30 years of experience in the window and door industry, his background spans product management, marketing, and brand development. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Architecture.
Key Takeaways
The historic Indianapolis Coca-Cola Bottling Plant was transformed into the Bottleworks Hotel and Food Hall, with a focus on restoring its iconic terra cotta facade. Skilled masons repaired the deteriorated cladding, while more than 150 wood windows were meticulously replicated using modern techniques, blending historic accuracy with weatherproofing. This restoration balanced preservation and innovation, ensuring the building’s art deco charm remains a centerpiece of the revitalized Bottleworks District.
