The Stutz Building History

Harry Stutz, founder of the Stutz Motorcar Company, built and headquartered his car company at the present day Stutz I and II from 1911 to 1919. Stutz is remembered for many things, including the Bearcat which raced in the first Indianapolis 500 and was built at his factory.

Today, Stutz's building is owned and managed by Indianapolis commercial developer Turner Woodard, who refurbished the turn-of-the-century factory complex into a bustling business center for small- and mid-sized businesses.

Through Woodard's vision and his team's hard work, Harry Stutz's, entrepreneurial spirit continues to this day.

May 30, 1911 Gil Anderson drives Stutz's Bearcat in the first-ever Indianapolis 500. He places 11th thus "The Car That Made Good In a Day."

June 1911 The Ideal Motor Parts Company is founded where the legendary Bearcat is designed. This three-story factory at 217 W. 10th is now part of the Stutz complex.

1912 Stutz breaks ground across the street on a new, modern plant at 212 W. 10th Street that will produce as many as 500 Stutz per year. These two facilities are the present day Stutz I and II. Stutz Bearcats and Blackhawks are recognized as one of the finest sports and racing cars of their day. The Stutz sedans are acknowledged as one of the safest cars, due to Harry Stutz's innovative under slung suspension and transmission designs.

1916 A group of investors joins participation in the Stutz Company. The company is reorganized and becomes The Stutz Motorcar Company of America.

1919 Stutz and the original investors sell their remaining shares to Charles Schwab of Bethlehem, retiring millionaires.

1928 Frank Lockhart and the Stutz team attempt to set a new land speed record with a Stutz Blackhawk. They travel 202 MPH on the beach at Daytona, only to fail when the right front tire blows on the return run and crashes into the ocean. Frank Lockhart is killed and the Stutz team never races again!

1929 The stock market crashes.

1935 The company, like many, hand-built automobiles during this era, was severely hurt by the economic depression in the 1930's. The Stutz Factory shutters its doors. For more historical information visit www.stutzclub.org.

1940 Eli Lilly and Company purchased the factory and establishes its "Creative Packaging" division at the building until 1982. The facility stood vacant for a decade and its existence began to be questioned.

September 1993 Turner Woodard, an Indianapolis resident and adaptive reuse developer, purchases the building with the vision to restore but not alter the factory. He envisions a business center for small- and mid-sized companies where they can flourish in a truly unique entrepreneurial atmosphere.

2004 The Innovative Spirit of Harry Stutz lives again thanks to Tuner Woodard, his management team and tenants! The 400,000 square foot Stutz building is home to more than 150 tenants. The former automobile factory occupies an entire city block with seven buildings, five freight elevators, and 11 loading docks! Artists, architects, attorneys, graphic design firms, advertising firms, internet firms, engineering firms, and other small business owners enjoy flexible space and lease terms that fit their budget with costs from $9 to $11 per square foot.