Preserving History, Elevating the Experience: A New Era for the Indiana Roof Ballroom
For nearly 100 years, the Indiana Roof Ballroom has reigned as one of downtown Indianapolis’s most treasured event venues, hosting unforgettable weddings, galas, and celebrations that have shaped the city’s story. Managed by Crystal Signature Events for nearly four decades, this architectural icon recently completed a remarkable transformation - its first full-building renovation in over thirty years.
The $3.5 million project, completed across two carefully planned phases, honors the venue’s rich heritage while introducing new design elements, modern amenities, and enhanced functionality to meet the evolving needs of today’s events.
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According to Jack Bayt, Founder and Vice President of Crystal Signature Events, “We have always balanced upholding the venue’s unique historic nature with investments that meet modern event demands. This renovation is a reflection of our commitment to preserving this historic space while ensuring it continues to exceed expectations for years to come.”
The result? A space that continues to set the standard for luxury and versatility in event hosting.
Phase One: Enhancing the Balcony and Bar Experience
Phase One, finalized in July 2024, focused on renewing the balcony-level bar and lounge and the main-level bar - two of the most social and photographed spaces in the ballroom. Each update was designed to blend the venue’s old-world elegance with modern luxury and efficiency.
Improvements included:
- Refined Balcony Level Bar and Lounge: The balcony bar received a complete overhaul, featuring lighted shelving, new tile on the back bar wall, new carpeting, refreshed lounge seating, and stylish glass-and-metal sliding doors to conceal mechanical areas. The addition of pendant lights and wall sconces creates a warm and inviting atmosphere with views of the stage and dance floor.
- Elevated Elegance on The Main Level Bar: The main bar that serves as the primary focal point upon guest arrival received new lighting and a beautiful new mirrored back wall alongside detailed design elements.
- New Mirrored Digital Screens: Combining technology with sophistication, these newly added mirrored digital screens seamlessly display custom visuals without taking away the venue’s timeless elegance and ambiance.
- Chandelier Upgrades: New chandeliers were installed above the entry stairwell and throughout the reception area, adding additional touches of grandeur to the space.
- Updated Décor: From new carpet to custom wooden beams above the bar, every design element enhances the room’s aesthetic while maintaining its historic integrity.
- Updated Furniture and Seating: Modern lounge seating was added to ensure comfort and sophistication for guests.
This first phase established the perfect balance between preservation and progress, paving the way for the next stage of the ballroom’s evolution.
Phase Two: A Grand Restoration of the Main Ballroom and Promenade
Completed in August 2025, Phase Two marked the most extensive revitalization of the Roof in decades bringing renewed brightness, openness, and elegance to the main ballroom and promenade areas.
Improvements included:
- Restored Dance Floor: The Roof’s iconic 8,700-square-foot circular dance floor underwent its most extensive restoration in decades. The wood was deeply refinished to remove a century’s worth of nicks and scratches, revealing a surface that’s five to six shades lighter. It’s now brighter, fresher, and in the best condition it’s ever been.
- Reimagined Main Bar & Promenade: A wall separating the main bar from the ballroom was removed to open sightlines and create a grander entrance. Behind the bar, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and sleek finishes enhance the sense of space and light.
- Lighting & Chandeliers: Brightening was a central design theme, achieved through all-new chandeliers, sconces, and accent lighting. Guests are now greeted by a majestic crystal chandelier suspended over the dance floor, surrounded by shimmering mirrored crystal curtains, 9 feet long on the outside and 12 feet on the inside.
- New Carpet, Draping, and Paint: The promenade area now boasts fresh carpet, soft draping, and neutral tones that complement the ballroom’s architecture while adding warmth and modern polish.
- Lounge Seating and Hardware Updates: Stylish, comfortable furniture and updated finishes make the venue as inviting as it is elegant.
- Technology Enhancements: State-of-the-art production and lighting technology was seamlessly integrated throughout, giving clients expanded creative possibilities for custom event experiences.
The combined effect of these updates is breathtaking. The Roof now shines brighter, feels more spacious, and offers unparalleled flexibility for today’s events while honoring its historic soul.
A Century of Legacy, Reimagined for the Future
With the completion of this multi-phase renovation, the Indiana Roof Ballroom enters a new chapter of its storied life. Every chandelier, every beam, every polished floorboard stands as a tribute to its enduring legacy and to Crystal Signature Events’ ongoing commitment to hospitality, excellence, and innovation.
As Jack Bayt explains, “Crystal Signature Events has proudly managed this premier downtown Indianapolis venue for nearly 40 years, welcoming hundreds of weddings and galas and thousands of guests to some of the city’s most prominent events each year. We have always balanced upholding the venue’s unique historic nature with investments that meet modern event demands. We have upgraded pieces and parts over the years, but this is our first complete building renovation, and we’re excited to deliver it for our clients and their guests, especially as we approach the building’s 100th birthday.”
Host Your Event at the Newly Renovated Indiana Roof Ballroom
As part of the Crystal Signature Events family, the Indiana Roof Ballroom benefits from our full-service event management, culinary expertise, and personalized planning support. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate celebration or a grand gala, our team is ready to help bring your vision to life in one of the most iconic venues in downtown Indianapolis.
Now is the perfect time to experience the renewed Indiana Roof Ballroom, where historic beauty meets modern elegance. Schedule a private tour today to see the renovations firsthand, and let Crystal Signature Events help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Vendors:
Contractor: Commercial Team Construction
Designer: Dovetail Group
Photography: Dalonte Keemer & Jessica Strickland
Historic Indiana Roof Ballroom Renovation by Crystal
Related Topics: Indiana Roof Ballroom, Crystal News, Event Venues, Historic Venues