City Market Operation

Location:	Indiana
Posted:	Oct 17, 2025
Due:	Nov 21, 2025
Agency:	City of Indianapolis and Marion County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	65 - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies
Solicitation No:	RFI-13DMD-2025-1
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (RFEI)

Indianapolis City Market

Tenancy – Operations – Activation

RFI-13DMD-2025-1

Issued by:

Date Issued:

Questions Due:

Responses Due:

City of Indianapolis, Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD)

10/10/2025

10/31/2025 by Noon eastern time

11/21/2025 by 10am eastern time via email to ICMRFIs@ShrewsUSA.com

Table of Contents

1. Statement of Need ..................................................................................................................................3

2. Qualifications and Purpose.................................................................................................................3

3. Background ...............................................................................................................................................4

4. Potential Uses of Space.........................................................................................................................5

5. Activation & Community Outcomes................................................................................................5

6. Information Requested and Submission Requirements.........................................................5

7. Submittal Process and Timeline .......................................................................................................6

8. Selection of Expert..................................................................................................................................7

9. Privilege Clause; Right to Alter .........................................................................................................8

10. No Contract; Costs and Expenses; Additional Information ...................................................8

11. Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................................9

12. Exhibit – 2025 City Market Survey Report................................................................................10

City of Indianapolis - Department of Metropolitan Development

October 2025 RFI -13DMD-2025-1 City Market Operation | Request for Expression of Interest

Page 2 of 12

Statement of Need

The City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) issues this Request for

Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for tenancy, operations, and activation of the renovated City Market

building in connection with the redevelopment of Whistler Plaza and its historic catacombs. While the

City Market is an iconic, historic facility located in the heart of the city’s Central Business District, and

near existing and planned high density residential development, this public asset has long been

underutilized outside of business lunch hours. The Indianapolis City Market needs a new, economically

sustainable vision for a vibrant reuse befitting its location and presence.

Qualifications and Purpose

This solicitation is an opportunity for the City to gather ideas and concepts, identify priorities and needs,

and gauge interest from qualified parties seeking to operate all, or a portion of the City Market. With

this request, DMD looks to cast a wide net to gather input from interested operators in hopes of

unlocking the potential of the site and facility. While the City is offering suggestions for the types of

uses, Respondents are not limited to those concepts. Rationale for the proposed use(s), demonstrating

demand, impact, sustainability and capacity to execute will be given strong consideration. Concepts

should honor and preserve the historic significance of the City Market structure and its legacy. The

information gathered will help shape the physical layout, infrastructure planning, tenant mix, activation

strategies, and budget priorities for the renovation, ensuring the creation of a vibrant, inclusive, and

sustainable public space.

City of Indianapolis - Department of Metropolitan Development

October 2025 RFI -13DMD-2025-1 City Market Operation | Request for Expression of Interest

Page 3 of 12

Background

The Indianapolis City Market, a historic landmark located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, has

been a hub for food and commerce and a community gathering space since 1886. Its redevelopment

presents an opportunity for the space to be reimagined to reflect contemporary market hall best

practices while honoring its heritage. In doing so, DMD seeks to ensure the renovated market is

thoughtfully designed to accommodate intentional use of the space that fosters year-round activity,

including the return of the Original Farmers Market.

Located at 222 E Market Street in Indianapolis, City Market (pictured above in 1970) was constructed in

1886 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

City of Indianapolis - Department of Metropolitan Development

October 2025 RFI -13DMD-2025-1 City Market Operation | Request for Expression of Interest

Page 4 of 12

Potential Uses of Space

Contemplated uses include, but are not limited to:

- Prepared food vendors/restaurant(s),

- Specialty retail (e.g., artisan, local goods),

- Fresh produce, meats, florals, and specialty grocery,

- Breweries, wineries, and distilleries,

- Cultural, arts, and community spaces,

- Shared commercial kitchen facilities,

- Culinary incubator,

- Event and meeting spaces, and

- Other compatible and innovative concepts.

Activation & Community Outcomes

The City seeks operators and partners who can contribute to making City Market a vibrant and inclusive

community hub. Respondents are encouraged to outline how their programming and presence will:

- Complement existing, surrounding activities and amenities;

- Interface with the space and programming of the Whistler Plaza redevelopment including the planned

excavation and activation of the catacombs;

- Activate the market during weekdays, evenings, and weekends;

- Support cultural, arts, and community events;

- Create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, including minority-, women-, veteran-owned, and

disable-owned businesses;

- Encourage public engagement, educational programming and demonstrations;

- Foster economic opportunity and workforce development;

- Accommodate the return of The Original Farmers Market and;

- Align with the Community Engagement Survey completed in 2025.

Information Requested and Submission Requirements

Submissions should include responses to each of the following:

1. Experience and qualifications developing and managing operations relevant to the proposed

concept, demonstrating;

a. Process for identifying and developing concept(s);

b. Working collaboratively with DMD and City Market Corporation Board of Directors

and building effective partnerships;

c. Managing or operating publicly owned facilities;

d. Implementing new, impactful or transformational concepts, and;

e. Achieving long-term sustainability.

2. Brief bio of key individuals who will be involved in planning, delivery and management of

the proposed concept.

3. References (up to three (3) cut sheets) for relevant project development or operations

including;

City of Indianapolis - Department of Metropolitan Development

October 2025 RFI -13DMD-2025-1 City Market Operation | Request for Expression of Interest

Page 5 of 12

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

City Market Operation

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See also