The current location of City Market dates back to 1821 when Alexander Ralston's "Plot of the Town of Indianapolis" dedicated a parcel of land for market use. A small building was constructed on this site, but as Indianapolis continued to grow, it quickly became apparent that more space was needed for the sale of meats and produce. By 1886, a newer Market House was proposed by the City of Indianapolis. A local architect, D.A. Bohlen, designed the structure to be made out of stone walls and cement flooring. Construction was completed on November 4, 1886 at a cost of $29,225.

With the main building completed, it now provided additional covered space immediately east of Tomlinson Hall, also constructed in 1886. Tomlinson Hall contained an auditorium, gymnasium, meeting rooms as well as retail and vegetable stands on the ground floor. It was considered to be the "Market Square Arena" of its time, as it was used for political rallies, concerts and other large public functions. The east side of downtown Indianapolis was now bustling with activity in an urban setting. 

From the early to mid 1900's, City Market flourished as Indianapolis embraced its agricultural heritage. It was the one-stop shop to buy your fresh produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy and bakery goods. Immigrants new to the area set up businesses inside the market showcasing the different culinary styles and selections of their native lands.

After the Second World War, the competition of suburbia took its toll on City Market. The convenience of shopping close to home with bigger neighborhood grocery stores kept many locals from coming to the market. Plagued by decreasing turnout and sales, many vendors went out of business or moved farther out. Buying fresh food from local farmers and merchants was no longer a way of life.

During this time, Tomlinson Hall was severely damaged by fire in 1958 and was subsequently demolished. Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, citizens and governmental leaders debated on how best to restore and renovate City Market. The cost of operating City Market and efforts to bring the building up to health codes was a challenge and had to be addressed.

With the election of Mayor Richard Lugar in 1968, public sentiment for a restoration of City Market was at hand. Funds were solicited from the Lilly Endowment for complete restoration of the Market and additional construction to further enhance the historic Market structure. On March 27, 1974, the original market house was listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. With restoration complete in 1977, City Market was granted new life and the permanent future of continuing to function as the marketplace the City fathers had planned it to be in 1821.

As the 21st century unfolds, many exciting opportunities for City Market being realized. A new "Market District" is emerging along the eastern edge of downtown with the impending development of 400 condominiums on Market Street. More than ever, downtown residents will need a place to gather, buy fresh food and enjoy the bustling of activity reminiscent of years past.
 
In 2004, City Market celebrated the unveiling of its new Market District Stage on Whistler Plaza. A vibrant downtown event destination, City Market is home to many summer events. The highly esteemed Indianapolis Farmers' Market, held every Wednesday from May through October, is ripe with Indiana growers, their produce, meats, and sundries. Locally grown and fresh is a key to its perennial success. The Indianapolis Farmers' Market serves as the cornerstone of a summer that includes over 70 events that occur annually. There is little doubt why City Market has been known for more than 100 years as a leading historical asset and gathering place for the City of Indianapolis.

 

The dawn of a newly renovated City Market has emerged. In partnership with community leaders, the City of Indianapolis, and The Lilly Endowment, City Market experienced a current-day renovation in 2007. The Historic Market House experienced changes including new paint, new floors, new lighting, and a new group of stand owners.

Established in the 1800’s as a market that the community relied upon for their daily staples of fresh meats, cheese, produce, and breads, City Market will once again offer this shopping experience to its customers.

A long list of stand owners such as Jumbo’s, Just Cookies, and Café Olivia provide ample opportunities for hungry consumers to purchase fresh foods of their choosing. There is a hearty blend of fresh foods for purchase that include a full line of Indiana grown produce and fresh cut flowers.