Wheeler Arts Community Center Adaptive Reuse Case Study

This case study details the Wheeler Arts Community Center, a historic adaptive reuse project in Fountain Square, Indianapolis. The project transformed a vacant early-20th-century industrial building, originally the Wheeler–Schebler Carburetor Company, into a vibrant hub for creative, residential, and educational activities. The study outlines the challenges faced by the community, including industrial vacancy, a lack of affordable spaces for creative workers, and a disconnect between education and creative practice. In response, a collaboration between Southeast Neighborhood Development, Inc. and the University of Indianapolis repurposed the building into an integrated arts center featuring affordable live-work lofts, classrooms, and community event spaces. The transformation preserved the historic structure while fostering a sustainable creative ecosystem. The case study also discusses the evolution of the center, noting its shift toward market-rate housing amid rising demand, highlighting the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and market forces in gentrifying neighborhoods. The project exemplifies the potential of adaptive reuse to support community revitalization.