The Fountain Square Theatre Building was designed by architect Frank B. Hunter and built by the Fountain Square Realty Co. in 1927-1928. This iconic landmark is the largest building in the neighborhood and sits at the intersection of Virginia Avenue, Shelby Street, and Prospect Street. Described by the architect as a project “…far beyond the expectations of the citizenship of the vicinity, and will mark a new architectural epoch in this neighborhood,” the building boasted a 1500-seat moving picture theater, a basement ballroom, ten first floor storerooms, twenty office suites, and a large amusement space upstairs with bowling alleys and billiard tables. 

Interestingly, one of the Fountain Square Theater Company officers was Dr. Goethe Link, an Indianapolis surgeon and amateur astronomer. In 1939, Dr. Link built a 36-inch telescope and dome now known as Indiana University’s Link Observatory south of Indianapolis.

Architecturally, the four-story, tan brick structure with multi-color terracotta detailing is exquisite. The building is built of steel and reinforced concrete. The interior decor, by the Continental Studios of Chicago, was predominantly influenced by Italian designs, with the theater designed like a “...large Italian garden under a night sky with twinkling stars, rolling clouds, and creeping moon.” 

When the building first opened, Goldsmith Brothers Drug Co., a drug store and soda fountain, operated in the main commercial storefront. This space was later occupied by a Hook’s Drugstore and then a F.W. Woolworth Co. The theater operated until 1960. In 1994, Action Bowl opened on the 4th floor and in 1997, Atomic Bowl opened in the basement. Today, the building contains the theater event space, both bowling spaces, Imbibe Bar, Maialina restaurant, the Commodore speakeasy, a barbershop, and a rooftop garden bar. 

1928 Paste-up, or addition, on the 1915 Sanborn Map. Note that orange meets fireproof construction.
Credit: 1915 Sanborn Map, MapIndy, City of Indianapolis. 

Photo of Theater Auditorium
Credit: “Auditorium of Fountain Square Theater,” Indianapolis News, May 4, 1928. 

Detailed first floor floorplan of the building; part of a promotional flyer for the opening of the building.
Credit: “Fountain Square Theatre Building promotional flyer, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1928,” Nicolas Horn Collection, Indiana Album, 1928. 

Full page advertisement celebrating the opening of the Fountain Square Theater Building.
Credit: Advertisement, Indianapolis News, May 4, 1928,