Ceremony honoring the people and projects driving innovation, design excellence, and community growth across the Indy region
INDIANAPOLIS. On Wednesday, Oct. 22nd, Schmidt Associates was honored with the 2025 Monumental Award, the Indy Chamber’s most esteemed recognition, highlighting the built environment in the ten-county Indy region. Schmidt Associates was awarded for its exceptional work on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Presented at the Indy Chamber’s 48th annual Monumental Awards ceremony at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the project exemplifies design excellence and innovation, blending contemporary architecture with a deep respect for Indiana’s racing history. Indy Chamber’s 2025 award winners reflect the talent and collaboration that continue to advance Central Indiana’s design, development, and economic vitality.
The project’s recognition underscores the transformative power of design to celebrate the momentum propelling Indianapolis toward a more vibrant, connected future.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum redesign reflects the spirit of innovation that defines our region,” said Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “Schmidt Associates has created a world-class experience that honors Indiana’s racing legacy while reimagining what’s possible for cultural destinations. Projects like this remind us that great design isn’t just about structures, it’s about connection, and community pride.”
The reimagined museum serves as a gateway to Indiana’s motorsports, combining modern design with immersive visitor experiences. The project integrates advanced exhibit technology, improved accessibility, and flexible public spaces to engage new generations of fans and learners. The IMS Museum’s $60.5M renovation includes over 40,000 square feet of additional space, housing seven permanent galleries, a new mezzanine dedicated to displaying non-vehicle artifacts, and a lower level (previously restricted to only select tours). Their “Starting Line Experience” places guests in an immersive video space showcasing the pageantry leading up to the start of the Indianapolis 500. A “pit stop challenge” invites guests to learn the tools and equipment of the racing trade. Every design choice aims to capture the energy of race day while providing year-round community value.
Led by Schmidt Associates, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum project exemplifies the firm’s collaborative, purpose-driven approach to design. With a portfolio that spans education, civic, and cultural spaces, Schmidt Associates continues to shape Indiana’s built environment through creativity and client partnership. Their work on the museum stands as a tribute to both Speedway’s global legacy and the firm’s enduring commitment to community impact and innovation.
Monumental Awards honor winners included:
- Architecture: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum submitted by Schmidt Associates
- Construction: Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infant’s Hospital submitted by Pepper Construction of Indiana
- Engineering: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum submitted by Schmidt Associates
- Innovative Reuse: The Match High School submitted by DKGR
- Interior Design: Lucas Oil Headquarters submitted by Parallel Design Group
- Landscape Architecture: Simon Moon Park Phase 1 Expansion submitted by City of Westfield
- Neighborhood Revitalization: Center for Leadership Development submitted by arcDesign
- Public Art: Public by Design, the 2022-23 Cycle of Exhibit Columbus submitted by Landmark Columbus Foundation
- Real Estate Development: Hobbs Station Mixed-Use Development submitted by New City Development
- People’s Choice: Lucas Oil Headquarters submitted by Parallel Design Group
A vibrant built environment not only improves the overall quality of life but attracts talented individuals to call the Indy region home.
The 2025 Monumental Awards are made possible by generous sponsors, including Presenting sponsor Citizens Energy Group, Food sponsor AGC Indiana Chapter, Real Estate Sponsor Cushman & Wakefield, Construction category sponsor Quality Connection of Central Indiana, Neighborhood Revitalization category sponsor Hirons and Structural sponsors Carr Workplaces and ESL/Spectrum.
For more information on the Monumental Awards or to learn about future entries, visit https://indychamber.com/2025-monumental-awards-winners/
To view the photo’s from the event visit https://jantoniochapital.passgallery.com/-monumentawards2025/gallery
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About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. As we work to strengthen the foundation of our economy, we focus on big ideas, fast action, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
About the Monumental Awards
The Monumental Awards are one of the ways in which the Indy Chamber showcases economic development growth in Central Indiana. This annual evening of recognition acknowledges individuals and businesses that contribute to excellence in architecture, construction, engineering, innovative reuse, interior design, landscape architecture, neighborhood revitalization, public art, and real estate development throughout the ten-county Indy region.
