Irvington Lodge

For a wheelchair user, I seem to have a weird fascination with everything in the world that's not particularly accessible. Case in point? The Irvington Lodge. I love this building. I would never really recommend the building for wheelchair users, though I've managed to get around it fairly well. The building began development in 1921 and was completed in 1922. Like many Masonic Lodges, the ground floor was intentionally designed to allow for retail spaces as this would help support the Lodge. If you're familiar with the Irvington Lodge, then you know that it bears on it the rather ominous "Lodge #666" marking. It seems fitting to have this be in a neighborhood recognized for its many haunted locations, but there's no denying it even creeps me out a bit. The building was rumored to be the host of Ku Klux Klan meetings in the 1920s - KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson lived only a few blocks away in a mansion on University Avenue. Until 1950, the Lodge also hosted the Irvington Post Office. The Irvington Lodge continues to be an actively utilized building. Retail spaces are taken by Irvington Vinyl & Books, Hampton Designs Studio & Shop, and LVLUP Gaming Lounge. Additionally, Mosaic Church uses the Lodge's entire 3rd floor. Accessibility is most challenging in the 1st floor retail spots, though I noticed during my recent visit that Irvington Vinyl & Books had installed a bit of a ramp trying to help the situation. It's certainly not ADA, though it is an improvement. You can get into the first floor of the lodge. There is an elevator to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor includes a theatre room, reception room, a fully functioning kitchen, and a buffet area. You can rent these facilities and the rates are pretty market friendly. The Theatre Room has over 2300 square feet and many period touches still in place. It's rather stunning. The Reception Room is right about 1400 square feet. The 3rd floor has a couple of large main rooms. Hardwood floors are in place throughout and there's a stunning balcony that would be great for a wedding (unless you're in a wheelchair - then it would suck). This is one of those buildings I can't help but love. I'd give almost anything to have an office here, though it would inherently be a not particularly wheelchair friendly one. You also have close proximity to the Irving and nearby Irvington area businesses. Renting the facilities requires the usual liability insurance in place and a deposit, though rates are pretty friendly. They don't have preferred vendors - so, it offers flexibility that some venues don't. The Irvington Lodge was acquired, I believe, around late 2017-2018 by longtime Eastside resident Yasha Persson and a team. Given the pandemic was right around the corner, it was a challenging time to acquire such a beautiful building. However, here's hoping it continues to be such a beautiful, vibrant part of Irvington.

A building that offers so much to the community of Irvington, it's unfathomable how little we know about what lies within its walls. The lodge, along with other historical sites in Irvington, is what makes this community so fascinating, and not a little bit spooky. You will find art, theatre history, literature, architecture, and many friendly faces in this 1920s masonic lodge. It's a blast to hang out here!The Historical Irvington Lodge, or Masonic Lodge #666, is home to two non-profit performing arts companies, a bookstore, and a masonic church space. Each business takes up different floors, and you can visit each of their websites to get more information on what they offer to the community. I've volunteered with the performing arts groups, EclecticPond Theatre Company and Q Artistry, stage managing locally-grown shows that nurture so much raw talent. I love being here, and it is magnificent to see so many people in the community so gung-ho about volunteering, wanting to spread the word about us to the city. Also Bookmamas is a locally-owned bookstore on the first floor that buys and sells a variety of books. This place also has many great book-nerd events that anyone can attend. See? Bet you didn't know all that was going on in there. I know, it sometimes looks abandoned from the outside, but I assure you that magic is happening within.The greatest part about the Irvington Lodge is that it has stood the test of time! The structure was built in 1921, and it is still a functioning community space that has been a part of Irvington for almost a century. We must be willing to save our history and preserve what makes a community unique, and in time it will lead to positive change and inspire the lives of future generations.

This place is history right in Fri t of our eyes. Very mysterious and in a way haunting kind of place. Yet I feel.it's a true symbol of irvington itself.

3rd floor gallery in the Irvington Lodge is a beautiful space! Great light for the artwork and just a gorgeous venue all around. The pinball room is also amazing and a great way to get the whole family out to experience art and entertainment without breaking the bank! It is also perfect for weddings, parties and pop up markets. A true Irvington and Indianapolis gem!!!