The Beth-El Zedeck Temple has been a fixture in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood since its dedication in 1925 – originally a religious, social, and educational center for the local Jewish community. Indianapolis architecture firm Vonnegut, Bohn, and Meuller designed the neoclassical structure, now the oldest purpose-built synagogue in the city.

After the Beth-El Zedeck congregation relocated in 1958, the building became home to another Jewish congregation until 1968 and to several Christian congregations until the end of the twentieth century, before becoming vacant in the early 2000s. In 2014, Indiana Landmarks bought and stabilized the property and now seeks a buyer with the vision to breathe life back into the historic temple.

The two-story structure features an exterior of buff brick with limestone and terra cotta trim. Inside, two staircases flank the entryway which lead into an expansive second-story sanctuary. The first floor includes bathrooms and flexible multipurpose space that once served as classrooms. The second-floor sanctuary features a barrel vault ceiling, mezzanine, original stuccowork, and bimah with wooden paneling.

Indiana Landmarks has completed a feasibility study, installed a new roof, repaired and replaced its ground-floor windows, and finished a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and asbestos remediation. A complete rehabilitation is required before the building is ready for use. Indiana Landmarks listed the property on the National Register of Historic Places, making it eligible for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit.

The property will be sold with Indiana Landmarks’ preservation covenants protecting exterior and select interior architectural features. To learn more or arrange a tour, contact Calvin Nguyen at 317-822-7909 or cnguyen@indianalandmarks.org.