Circle City Industrial Complex

After having grown up on Indy's Northwestside and lived either there or downtown most of my life, I've spent the last 12+ years as a passionate and enthusiastic Eastsider. Now that I burned the mortgage papers on my home (Don't worry. I paid it off first!), it's pretty much established that I'm here to stay. There's an Eastside vibe that I really love that vibe really comes to life in Circle City Industrial Complex, a behemoth of repurposed buildings that weaves together the tapestry of life that I love about living on the Eastside including the industrial, the arts, the dedication to life, the creativity, the makers, the shakers, and the incredibly practical. I'll be honest and say that I initially avoided CCIC. It seemed intimidating, parking was confusing, and wheelchair access can be a little hit-and-miss in spots as different sections have gotten repurposed. I remember at one point attending a Yelp event here and thinking "This is exactly why I don't come here." It was, quite honestly, a bit of a pain in the butt for a wheelchair user. However, things continue to improve. And, perhaps more importantly, every time I come here I appreciate it and I enjoy myself. What can you find here?There's participation in the First Friday Art Walk. There's the delightfully spot-on Centerpoint Brewing - the first actual spot I visited here at CCIC.There's 8th Day Distillery, Fowling Warehouse Indy, Lick Ice Cream, SoChatti, New Day Craft.There's a myriad of artists. There's Dance Kaleidoscope. There's Glass Arts Indy. There's the Indiana Writers Center. There's Stitchworks, JK Guitar, Indy Fused Glass, and more. With over a half-million square feet, CCIC looks intimidating and is a little intimidating. There are four key entrances and it really is helpful to know the suite number of where you're going. The big entrance by Centerpoint primarily serves Centerpoint and its adjacent spots. There's a large parking lot across the street that provides key access to other entrances. Oh, and despite being industrial there is actually an elevator to the second floor. CCIC really is the foundation that spurred the growth of Windsor Park, a growth that has complemented the neighborhood rather than dominated it. Nearby spots like Kan-Kan, Brasserie, Amelia's, and others are adding even more personality and style to the area. I love that artists located here are actually required to participate in First Friday events. This really is a communal space and they work hard to keep that vibe. Did you know that CCIC has 60 protected artists' spots? This means they will only rent these spaces to artists (and they review portfolios!). There's so much to love here. They are currently updating the oldest section at 1101 Mass Avenue - a space planned to offer restaurant space, retail, and performance space. You can even tell in the design plans that accessibility will be vastly improved. If you've never checked out Circle City Industrial Complex, I highly recommend it. It's one of Eastside Indy's crown jewels.

We came here for First Friday and were amazed at the turnout! Past first Fridays at other locations have not been this busy in years. They do have two free parking lots and street parking. The space is very large and it can get a little confusing navigating through the halls. They do have some signs but not nearly as many as you expect. Overall it was great to see the art and the businesses operating out of here

The CCIC is so much for to explore. There's a brewery (Center Point) at one end and a distillery (the excellent 8th Day) and the other. To keep you delighted in-between are tons of artist studios, crafting spaces, and creative vendors like Mako Hemp Co. Be sure to check out one of the First Friday Art Walks, so much to see.

I've visited many First Friday art shows in the Indy Area, it was my first time visiting the CCIC location. I visited with my mom and sister, we started on the 2nd level where an artist, my moms friend, was showcasing in a suite. We explored all of the open and available spaces. All of the artists were super talented and mostly friendly. After exploring the 2nd floor we went to the 1st floor where it becomes more of a maze to find artists. Since it is an old industrial building so many of the spaces had debris, old cars, and junk which is interesting and a bit spooky. I'd love to come back on another First Friday to find so new artists since I know we didn't have a chance to go everywhere.

Great update to the artist studio space at CCIC. The main gallery is located on the second floor, and in the past it was more or less an empty office space with studios surrounding the perimeter. The recent renovations really improve the aesthetics and lighting. The space is now much brighter, and new studios have been built to fill out the center.I haven't been to the CCIC studios for a while until a recent visit for the Bigger Picture Show. What a difference the renovations made. I think it's time to put CCiC back in the rotation for First Fridays, as well as visiting the rest of the businesses that are popping up inside the building.

I'm updating this review because I've been reminded in the last week how creative and adaptable this enormous building is on Indy's near east side in the Windsor Park neighborhood. What reminded me? I've resumed my classes with Just Ride Indy, a spin studio located inside CCIC. Since COVID, Just Ride has pivoted to offer their class entirely outside under one of the building's bays. It's brought me so much joy to see the space used this way and what a cool backdrop this building can be for so many businesses and activities in the city. From artists' shows and a brewery to a music studio and distillery, there's a little something here for everyone.

I just love seeing buildings repurposed like this! What an amazing use of the space! The place is huge and if you are trying to fond somewhere in particular, definitely follow the recommendation on their website to look at the map and determine which door to enter before you arrive. They do have signs outside each door indicating what artists and other tenants are inside so that helps too. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and just wandered a bit. There are signs everywhere pointing to art, and they aren't kidding. There are all types of art and art studios everywhere. It definitely still has an industrial/warehouse feel, and there was hardly anyone there when I visited on a late Saturday morning, so it was a little eerie at times...reminded me of the tunnels under the IU Med Center for anyone who remembers when those were still open...anyway, I do want to come back and wander some more. There are also businesses with their own outside entrances; pay attention to the location in their addresses (e.g. G10) which makes it far easier to find on the map and then to locate once you arrive. Parking is easy in a big free lot across the street.

Nothing warms my heart more than the CCIC. It's a previous eye-sore turned creative-hub full of local businesses who believe in the city and the neighborhood, confident enough to kick off the venture.What businesses are in the CCIC you ask? All of these + more:- Just Ride Cycling: incredibly-chic cycling studio- Indy Artsy: fun art shop- 8th Day Distillery: craft cocktails + spirits- LICK Ice Cream: handmade, incredibly creative ice cream flavors- Center Point Brewing: local brewery- Ruckus Makerspace: co-working space for local makersPark in the big, open (and free) lot, then wander to several of these bizs. Each business has different hours, so be sure to check their specific Yelp pages for that info. Enjoy! There's even a farmer's market in this building during the winter, as well as a food co-op on Tuesdays.

First Friday event and one of the biggest I've seen in awhile. Good friend of mine has space on second floor of building. He had very nice suite. Old industrial building is very cool to explore and find different places where art is. Even the storage areas are interesting to see while walking around

CCIC advertises a First Saturday event. I have been to several First Friday events and they are fabulous. It's so easy to park in the lot and just walk across the street to the complex. Lots to of studios open. Lots of art to see and purchase. A friend and I made plans to first meet on Saturday at theWinter Farmer's market at one end of the complex then stroll down to the studios. We made purchases at the market then were excited to go see ART. WHAT A MESS!!!!! There was ONE, count them ONE, studio open. We walked all through the complex and there was ONE studio open. I see CCIC is still promoting the event. Don't be fooled There is nothing to see. By all means go to the First Friday event. It is well worth it. I think it is my favorite First Friday because there is so much to see and so easy to park. I'll go back to First Saturday if I hear they actually have something to offer.