Insider Guide to Indianapolis' Windsor Park Neighborhood

Coolness has a way of seeping through a city’s neighborhoods by osmosis. Take Indianapolis. For years, the southwest end of Massachusetts Avenue has been the short answer to, “Where should I shop or get a drink?” But that energy has hopped northeast over a tangle of interstates to creep farther up Mass Ave. into Windsor Park, one of the city’s earliest streetcar suburbs.

The Circle City Industrial Complex (CCIC), a hulking auto parts factory that now houses an eclectic family of artists and small businesses, jump-started the metamorphosis five years ago. Major bike and pedestrian thoroughfares like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Monon Trail and Pogue’s Run offer direct access. Soon, Bottleworks District, a mixed-use development with a food hall and boutique hotel, will open in an old Coca-Cola plant, promising to lure even more traffic to this emerging area. (Food trucks already park outside.)

Shayna Sangster has had a front row (bike) seat to the revival. She’s been leading spin classes at Just Ride Cycling, a studio on the CCIC campus, for several years and took over ownership in 2018. “It’s definitely an up-and-coming neighborhood,” she says. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen lots of investment in housing and some really cool, unique spots popping up. It’s a more mature continuation of Mass Ave.—more settled with more families, but still young and fresh.”

Here’s how Sangster recommends exploring the Windsor Park area:

GET CULTURED

There are so many galleries and individual artists worth checking out during a CCIC First Friday open house. Full Circle Nine is probably the largest. Also Katrina J. Murray Studio and Gallery. I’m also really excited for the new Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie indie movie house to open when it’s safe, with a restaurant by star local chef Abbi Merriss.

GRAB A DRINK

Centerpoint Brewing hosts trivia nights on Thursdays, and dogs are always welcome. 8th Day Distillery is another great place to hang out with friends. I also love the golden milk at Provider coffee shop.

EAT WELL

All our Just Ride members go to the Growing Places Indy Winter Farmers Market after Saturday morning classes. It’s like a big weekly block party. Beholder is good for dinner and drinks. Lick Ice Cream offers super-creative flavors like Gorgonzola candied pecan and chocolate cherry amaretto. Or just give me a croissant or some great bread with lots of butter at Leviathan Bakehouse, and I’m all in.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

I haven’t been to Fowling Warehouse Indy yet, but it looks like so much fun; it’s a combination of football and bowling. And Indy Fused Glass hosts group classes where you can make your own art items.

GET TO KNOW: SHAYNA SANGSTER

Spin instructor and marketing director for the Indiana Fever, Indy’s WNBA team. Lansing, Michigan, native. Unabashed lover of carbs.