McGowan Hall

McGowan Hall is a community and event center located in the Old Northside neighborhood of Indy. McGowan Hall was built in 1922 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. I had the chance to visit McGowan Hall recently for a local memorial event. It's a unique setting that immediately made me curious about its history. The grounds originally had a Romanesque chateau completed in 1874. The home was designed by noted architect William LeBaron Jenney, who helped rebuild Chicago after the fire of 1871. Neighbors included president Benjamin Harrison and best selling hoosier author Meredith Nicholson. Subsequent owner of the chateau mansion, Dr. Horace Allen, hosted a party for Levi Morton of New York, who would become Benjamin Harrison's vice-presidential running mate. Harrison's home was not large enough to accommodate the affair. The home was acquired by Hugh J. McGowan, a railway magnate, in 1903. He lived there until his death in 1911. His daughters were known to perform amateur plays with Booth Tarkington in the 3rd floor ballroom. The McGowan family stayed in the home until 1919 when Mrs. McGowan sold the property to the Knights of Columbus (Hugh McGowan had been a member). Finally, in 1922, McGowan Hall was built and adjoined the home. The hall featured a 90'x60' ballroom with balcony seating and a stage. Downstairs had meeting area, billiard, shower, and cloak rooms. The hall hosted the first Knights of Columbus Council in Indiana (Mater Dei Knights of Columbus Council #437). To this day, they meet in the hall. In 1963, the home was torn down. However, the hall remained. The hall continues to host a wide variety of community, charitable, and civic events including theatre productions, fundraisers, high school dances, holiday parties, workshops, AA/NA meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and more. You can rent the Grand Hall (5,000sf of floor space), Council Room (seats up to 120), and an incredible, very vintage lounge that can easily seat 50. While McGowan Hall has some accessibility issues, typical for historic landmarks, there is an accessible entrance to the Grand Hall (550 capacity, around 400 with seating/tables).This is a solid mid-sized venue that I think often gets overlooked here in Indy. It's a beautiful facility, though anyone with accessibility needs should be sure to mention that before renting to ensure the need can be met. For attending a Grand Hall event, I had no issues. However, other areas would definitely have some challenges

Intimate place that's perfect for those who want a jazz experience. It was Chris Pitts, piano, and drummer & bass. The ensemble was delightful. The venue reminds me of other cities so am very happy that Indy has this. The bathroom seems like it was upgraded recently. Bar with plenty of drinks to choose from. No food ... it's not a restaurant, but "food truck" type offerings just outside. Very reasonable prices. Friendly folks who are welcoming. Definitely check out this place. I don't quite know their days and hours yet, but will be on their mailing list soon enough. You can be on their mailing list, too.

Attended a wedding and reception here recently. The facility has character and is historic, kinda quirky but worked out really well. The event space is small and the attached lounge/bar is well laid out with tables and a fireplace. The onsite parking lot is a nice bonus as well. Perfect place for a birthday, retirement party, or a wedding/reception. The staff was very friendly and accommodating especially given the current COVID situation.

One of the best experiences I have. Couple of my friends got married at this hall. We had such an amazing time. They have a full bar and awesome sound system. The whole place was epic.

McGowan Hall is a great place to have an event! Robert is an amazing host and does a fantastic job with the building. Lots of love and characteristics here!

I've been to a couple of events here and it's a perfect midsized venue. Don't really know what else to say. If you are looking for somewhere that has a traditional feel, is nothing over fancy but very accommodating, check this place out. Easy parking is an added bonus.

Saturday, February 9, 2019 we had a birthday party for our daughter at McGowan Hall and we absolutely had a ball. This was our second time hosting an event at McGowan Hall. The first time was in March of 2018, for our oldest daughter's birthday party and we had just as much fun. We worked with James Allen and his wife, they were very easy to work with and were very accommodating to our needs. James thought of things that we didn't even think of to make our event run smoothly. We had a cash bar and the drinks were affordable and very, very tasty. Prior to our event, James ensured he had the type of alcohol that our party wanted on hand, which was big plus. If you're looking for an affordable place with easy going people to work with to host your next event this is your place!!!