INDIANAPOLIS — Following plans to renovate the rooftop into a state-of-the-art performance venue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center has announced it now plans to create an endowment to help preserve the landmark.
According to the center's president, Kristian Little Stricklen, the new endowment will demonstrate how the center is now “revitalized, renovated and ready to lead.”
“The Indianapolis City-County Council approved the memorial way designation during their recent meeting,” said Stricklen. “We can’t wait to celebrate with the community when the official sign goes up later this month.”
The endowment comes as part of the center's new strategic plan. The center has not yet revealed the specific details of the plan, but says recent real estate transactions have helped alleviate debt and helped provide initial funding for the endowment.
The building will celebrate it's 100th anniversary in 2027 and the center's leaders want to preserve its history and legacy as it enters its second century.
"The center is prepared to be to today’s Indianapolis what this building was when it first opened: a city in a building, a hub of arts and entertainment, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, social justice, and women’s equity, all created through the rich lens of Black culture,” said Stricklen.
The center will hold an open house on Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. and unveil and dedicate the "Madam Walker Memorial Way" marker.
