🏢

Stadium Lofts Transformation Lecture

Jul 6, 2024

Stadium Lofts Transformation Lecture

Initial Condition of the Stadium

  • Abandoned baseball stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • State of disrepair:
    • 2,000 cash for clunker cars on the infield
    • 4-foot high weeds, 15-year-old trees growing in the infield
    • Not used as a baseball stadium for a long period

Introduction to Stadium Lofts

  • Speakers: Michael Cox and John Watson
    • Michael Cox: 54 years old
    • John Watson: 65 years old
  • Transformed the stadium into 138 apartment units
  • Four owners: John Watson, his two sons, and Michael Cox

Project Genesis and Development

  • John Watson's background
    • Board chair of Indiana Landmarks (historic preservation org.)
    • Conceptualized the apartment idea while at Indiana Landmarks
  • City's Involvement
    • City's goal: Catalyst for neighborhood growth, stretch downtown boundaries, and preserve historic stadium
    • Condition: Additional 144 units to be built outside the stadium
    • Four buildings adjacent to the stadium

Financial Mechanics

  • Profit Distribution: Proportional to ownership
  • Funding Usage: Reinvested in the project and other ventures
  • Budget: $14 million for renovating Bush Stadium
    • Stayed within budget
    • Construction loans paid off, replaced with long-term financing

Construction Challenges

  • Biggest Concerns:
    • Tenant interest due to lack of housing/economic activity
    • Technically challenging: Construction and engineering to maintain the character while making it livable
  • Design Philosophy: Preserve stadium character
    • Retained billboards, outfield brick wall, scoreboard, infield
    • Kept press box, transformed ticket booths into closets

Additional Developments

  • Stadium Flats Project: $13 million, fully leased upon completion

Unique Architectural Features

  • Interior Features:
    • Studying rooms, fitness center, bullpen (conference room)
    • Courtyard with gas fireplace, tables, chairs
    • Sections with full kitchens, stainless appliances, granite countertops
    • Exposed steel trusses, original roof decking, polished concrete floors
    • Balconies with chain link fencing to maintain stadium look

Community Reception

  • Public Interest:
    • High interest from the Indianapolis community
    • Tours created due to widespread curiosity
    • Deep emotional connections to the former stadium
  • Public and City Reaction:
    • Delighted with the preservation and new housing development

Personal Reflections

  • John Watson's Satisfaction: Culmination of a childhood dream

  • Overall Impact: Preservation, community development, and historical significance retained