Keystone Group announced that InterContinental Indianapolis has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that recognizes the nation’s most significant historic hotels. The designation comes as the 170-room luxury hotel approaches its first anniversary following its March 4, 2025 ribbon cutting and coincides with the centennial of the historic Illinois Building, opened in 1926.

“Historic architecture is essential to the character and vitality of our urban core,” said Ersal Ozdemir, Founder and Owner of Keystone Group. “It is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with buildings like the Illinois Building, structures that once sat vacant but hold enormous historic and civic value. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis just one block from the State Capitol, this property has played a role in the fabric of the city for more than 200 years. Today, it has been thoughtfully restored and redeveloped into notable grandeur, honoring its legacy while positioning it to serve our city for generations to come.”

“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct the beautiful InterContinental Indianapolis located in the historic, 100-year-old Illinois Building in downtown Indianapolis,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend Keystone Group and its owner Ersal Ozdemir for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”

Located at Monument Circle, the epicenter of downtown Indianapolis and home to the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and just steps from the Indiana State Capitol, the hotel sits at the center of the city’s historic civic district. The property features 170 distinctive guest rooms and suites, multiple dining concepts including Astrea Rooftop Bar, the city’s first luxury rooftop experience with never-before-seen views of the Circle, Serliana, more than 5,000 square feet of event space, and the city’s premier penthouse suite set against the backdrop of the famed monument.

Izabela Ozdemir, Principal of OVAS Design, spearheaded the vision and execution of the hotel’s interior design and historic preservation, thoughtfully blending historic architectural elements with modern luxury hospitality. The tastemaker also curated the art program throughout the property, showcasing works commissioned from local Indiana artists and weaving them into the visual narrative of the hotel.

“Designing the interiors for InterContinental Indianapolis was an opportunity to honor the architectural legacy of the Illinois Building while introducing a classic contemporary aesthetic within a luxury hospitality setting,” said Izabela Ozdemir, Principal of OVAS Design. “Every detail was meticulously considered to preserve the building’s historic character while celebrating Indiana artists to ensure we created spaces that feel timeless, sophisticated, and distinctly Indianapolis.”

The Illinois Building was once listed among Indiana’s most endangered landmarks before being acquired by Keystone Group. The 11-story structure features an expansive granite and limestone façade, Moderne bas relief panels, and a signature gold gilded terra cotta cornice that encompasses the frame of the rooftop bar, Astrea. Keystone’s redevelopment preserved key architectural elements including a repurposed exterior light installation above the grand entrance, significant portions of the historic first floor lobby, brass doors, decorative grillwork, while integrating modern hospitality infrastructure.