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HISTORY AND VISION
The Legacy of McGowan Hall
Built in 1922, McGowan Hall stands proudly in the Old Northside neighborhood of Indianapolis, a district added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Originally, the grounds at 1305 N. Delaware St. were home to a grand Romanesque chateau, completed in 1874 by Hervey Bates Jr., a wholesale grocer and banker. This architectural marvel was designed by William LeBaron Jenney, the noted architect who played a significant role in rebuilding Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871.
The Old Northside was once the neighborhood of notable residents like President Benjamin Harrison and bestselling Hoosier author Meredith Nicholson. The chateau also had its share of distinguished guests. Dr. Horace Allen, a subsequent owner, hosted a party for Levi Morton of New York, who later became Benjamin Harrison's vice-presidential running mate.
McGowan Family and the Knights of Columbus
In 1903, Mr. Hugh J. McGowan, an interurban railway magnate, acquired the chateau and lived there until his passing in 1911. The McGowan family's influence extended beyond their home; they were known for hosting amateur plays, with performances by the likes of Booth Tarkington in the third-floor ballroom.
In 1919, the McGowan family sold the property to the Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. McGowan had been a devoted member. His cousin, Joseph McGowan, who served as treasurer of Hugh's interests in the Indianapolis Traction & Terminal Company, played a key role in the financing and construction of McGowan Hall in 1922. This addition transformed the former McGowan home into one of the city's finest fraternal clubhouses.
A Hub for Community and Culture
McGowan Hall, with its grand ballroom and versatile spaces, quickly became a central hub for various events. From the 1923 dedication ceremony, featuring Indianapolis Archbishop Chartrand and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Cathedral Choir, to countless community gatherings, McGowan Hall has a rich history of service. Notable members of the Knights of Columbus Mater Dei Council #437, the first in Indiana, include Cardinal Joseph Ritter, Fr. Thomas Scecina, and Bishop Alphonse Smith.
Despite the loss of the original McGowan Home in 1963, the 1922 addition remains, continuing to serve Indianapolis for almost a century. The hall has hosted a wide variety of events, including theatre productions, fundraisers, dances, and neighborhood brunches.
Our Vision for the Future
Times change, but the need for a unifying community hub remains. The foundation's mission is to preserve and enhance McGowan Hall and its grounds, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for civic, cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities in the historic Old Northside.
McGowan Hall is committed to becoming a vibrant civic center as well as a banquet hall, offering enriching, family-friendly programming. Our objectives include:​
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Theatrical Performances: Uplifting, family-friendly plays produced by local companies and schools, with opportunities for original productions.
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Concerts and Dance Nights: Events ranging from rock & roll to jazz, with swing dance lessons and salsa nights.
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Monthly Charitable Fundraising Brunches
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Annual Kids' Christmas Party
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Educational Programming: Building tours that highlight McGowan Hall's rich history, scanning and digitization of membership archives dating back to 1899, and youth educational tours.
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Art Exhibitions
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Neighborhood Clean-Up Initiatives
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Community Festivals: Collaborating with surrounding non-profit organizations.
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Meeting Space for Fraternal and Community-Based Organizations: Encouraging discussions on neighborhood enrichment and quality of life improvement.
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Multi-Purpose Community Asset: Hosting athletic events, plays, concerts, and meetings that benefit both youth and adults.