Category: architecture

Bottleworks District

Posted on by Zach Dobson

Bottleworks District is a massive development underway in downtown Indianapolis. This past weekend I took a tour of the property with Hendricks and their marketing partner Pivot.

In 1931 Coca-Cola built a state-of-the-art bottling facility in Indy. It’s an amazing example of Art Deco architecture. Unfortunately, the property was used primarily as bus storage for Indianapolis Public Schools since 1969. As a result, the condition of the buildings is not what it once was.

Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.

In 2016, the city sold the 11-acre site to developer Hendricks Commercial Properties. Hendricks is developing the property, an entire city block, into a mix of commercial, retail and housing called Bottleworks District. So, the original administration building will become the first West Elm branded hotel, designed by Ratio Architects. There will also be food vendors, a movie theater, apartment and condo housing, a business incubator and office spaces.

Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.

There are a lot of amazing details still in place in this building and it’s exciting that Hendricks is working so hard to restore as many of the original pieces as possible. Refurbishing the terra cotta exterior tiles alone will cost $4 million. Bottleworks District is shaping up to be a major destination in Indy and I’m excited to see the results!

Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
  • Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
  • Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
  • Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
  • Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.
Bottleworks Development by Hendricks Commercial Properties, including a West Elm hotel designed by Ratio Architects. In partnership with Pivot Marketing. Images by Zach Dobson.

If you’re into the whole urban scene, check out these other posts fromChicago and Nashville.

Viva Nashvegas

Posted on by Zach Dobson

Hats, boots (buy one get two free) and neon signs.  This was my initial impression walking through downtown Nashville, Tennessee, known by locals as “Nashvegas” (thanks for the insider info, Val).

The images in this post offer a QUICK glance of Nashville.  We spent one night and approximately 20 hours in town.  With four young kids in tow, you won’t see the inside of a bunch of honky-tonks, but you will see what we saw: the outside of a bunch of honky-tonks, lots of boots (buy one get two free), street artists and giant wings.

Nashville was dubbed the “Athens of the South” in the 1850’s due to the high number of educational institutions and its arts scene.  So, naturally, it only made sense to build a full-size replica of the Parthenon for its Centennial Exposition in 1897.

I like to think the Parthenon of Ancient Greece had vendor tents outside selling gyros and wine.  Prove me wrong.

The scene outside the Nashville Parthenon.

The full scale replica of Athena in Nashville, TN.

Sun Diner is a Sun Records-themed breakfast joint in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee.  Good food.  Good atmosphere.  Open 24 hours.

“What Lifts You” by local artist Kelsey Montague in the trendy area of Nashville known as The Gulch, is a ready-made Instagrammable spot for tourists to get dolled up and look like their cutest sightseeing outfits have sprouted wings.  Or, if you’re me, get dolled up and take photos of people taking photos of people sprouting wings.

So that’s that!  Go see Nashville.  It’s pretty cool.  I should mention, even if you’re traveling with young kids like we do, you can hear plenty of great music from the street (above, left) and there are a number of kid-friendly music venues like Wildhorse Saloon (above, right).  Oh and don’t forget to buy some boots (buy one get two free).

If you’re interested in licensing for these or any other images from Zach Dobson Photography, please contact us. And be sure to subscribe to see our latest content as it’s released as well as get some cool extras we offer only to our closest allies.

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Posted on by Zach Dobson

To call the new Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at Indiana University a renovation is to greatly understate its transformative effect.  Designed by CSO Architects and built by Shiel Sexton, the new south lobby features a soaring glass entry with modern design and technology, while retaining some key touches from the past to honor the program’s legacy.

These photos were shot for a feature in the Visit Bloomington 2017 Visitors Guide.  More images can be seen in this ZDP gallery.

The south lobby atrium.

The south facade (left) faces campus, welcoming visitors to the newly remodeled Simon Skjodt Assmebly Hall. The scoreboard that sat over center court from 1983-2005 was halved and put at the east and west sides of the south lobby. And yes, it does keep the score during games.

Center court from 1976-95 adorns the wall of the west lobby.

A new terrazzo floor features a giant crimson IU logo at its center.

The IU mens basketball team is introduced for the 2016-17 season at Hoosier Hysteria on October 22, 2016. Additions to the facility include all-new seating, a massive scoreboard and The Henke Sprit of ’76 Club (beneath banners in background).

 

GO HOOSIERS!!!

 

Can’t Turn Down A Good Shot

Posted on by Zach Dobson

After a long day of work, when it’s finally time to go home, I’d imagine that most people just go home.  I doubt any accountants see a tax return on the side of the road they just have to stop and file.

Well, that’s essentially what happens to me with photo opportunities I see.  Like last night I saw this photo from the parking garage of the Embassy Suites downtown after a shoot.  Thanks to my wife for always being understanding of me running behind schedule for this reason.

state_house
Indiana Statehouse at night.