In 2015, the Lilly Endowment approached the Indianapolis Zoo with a transformative opportunity ? the Endowment would provide a $10 million grant to the Zoo, on the condition that it be used to implement a game-changing initiative that benefits the community institution?s long-term sustainability.

© Susan Fleck

Architects: RATIO Architects

Location: Indianapolis, IN, United States

Construction Manager: Turner Construction

Area: 40000.0 ft2

Project Year: 2017

Photographs: Susan Fleck

© Susan Fleck

From the architect. In 2015, the Lilly Endowment approached the Indianapolis Zoo with a transformative opportunity ? the Endowment would provide a $10 million grant to the Zoo, on the condition that it be used to implement a game-changing initiative that benefits the community institution?s long-term sustainability.
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With these broad parameters in mind, the Zoo identified a project that would align with its strategic master plan objective to attract, engage, and accommodate visitors during the shoulder seasons and on days with inclement or marginal weather.

© Susan Fleck

The solution was to create an open-air special events facility that is protected from the weather and able to support a wide variety of sometimes-simultaneous group activities, including concerts, picnics, and private events, while also expanding on existing shoulder season events such as Christm...