Indianapolis, Indiana – The lights of Gainbridge Fieldhouse shone a little brighter on Wednesday, October 22, as Schmidt Associates took home one of the highest honors in Central Indiana’s design and development community. The firm received the Outstanding Design and Development Award at the 2025 Monumental Awards, presented by the Indy Chamber, in recognition of its exceptional work on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Now in its 48th year, the Monumental Awards remain the Chamber’s most prestigious program, celebrating excellence in the built environment across the ten-county Indy region. Each year, the ceremony recognizes the architects, engineers, builders, and visionaries who bring the region’s landscapes and structures to life. This year’s event not only highlighted the area’s vibrant growth but also honored the creative spirit that continues to define Indianapolis as a hub of innovation and design.
“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.”
A Landmark Reimagined
Schmidt Associates’ transformation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum captures both the thrill of motorsports and the deep roots of Indiana’s racing culture. The redesigned space—an ambitious $60.5 million project—has expanded the museum’s footprint by over 40,000 square feet, providing room for new galleries, exhibits, and educational experiences that engage visitors on a whole new level.
Among its most talked-about features is the Starting Line Experience, an immersive video presentation that places guests in the heart of race day excitement, from the thunder of engines to the roar of the crowd. Visitors can also take part in a pit stop challenge, a hands-on attraction where they learn about the tools, timing, and teamwork that define the racing craft. The museum’s new mezzanine showcases non-vehicle artifacts, while the previously restricted lower level is now open for exploration, offering fresh perspectives on the sport’s evolution.
The museum’s renovation reflects a commitment not only to preserving Indiana’s racing legacy but also to broadening access and engagement. Enhanced accessibility features, flexible public spaces, and cutting-edge exhibit technology all aim to make the museum a destination for everyone—from lifelong fans of the Indianapolis 500 to schoolchildren discovering motorsports for the first time.
A Vision Rooted in Collaboration and Community
Led by a team of architects, designers, and engineers at Schmidt Associates, the project showcases the firm’s dedication to collaboration and purpose-driven design. With decades of experience shaping schools, civic landmarks, and cultural institutions across the state, Schmidt Associates continues to influence the built environment through creativity and community engagement.
For the firm, the IMS Museum redesign was more than a construction project—it was a cultural mission. Every detail, from lighting design to exhibit flow, was chosen to evoke the adrenaline and passion that fuel Indiana’s racing identity. The result is a museum that doesn’t just display history but lives it, inviting visitors to step into the legacy of speed, innovation, and endurance that defines the Hoosier State.
The recognition by the Indy Chamber affirms the importance of design as a driver of economic vitality and regional identity. The Chamber’s Monumental Awards are a testament to how creativity and infrastructure intersect to shape a thriving city. This year’s winners represent not just impressive buildings, but a vision for a more connected and vibrant Indianapolis.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Region
In addition to Schmidt Associates’ top honors, the 2025 Monumental Awards recognized a range of outstanding projects across multiple categories. Highlights 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 Award: Lucas Oil Headquarters – submitted by Parallel Design Group
Each winner represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that continues to fuel Central Indiana’s growth. From revitalized neighborhoods to cutting-edge health facilities, this year’s projects illustrate how thoughtful design can uplift communities and improve quality of life across the region.
Building Momentum for the Future
The Monumental Awards were made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Citizens Energy Group, Food Sponsor AGC Indiana Chapter, Real Estate Sponsor Cushman & Wakefield, and category sponsors such as Quality Connection of Central Indiana, Hirons, Carr Workplaces, and ESL/Spectrum. Their partnership underscores the shared belief that strong design and strong communities go hand in hand.
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For Schmidt Associates, the recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivator. The IMS Museum stands as a living example of what happens when design, history, and community intersect—and how a beloved landmark can evolve without losing its heart.
In the words of Matt Mindrum, the project “honors Indiana’s racing legacy while reimagining what’s possible for cultural destinations.” It is a space that bridges generations, inviting fans, students, and tourists alike to feel the pulse of the Indianapolis 500 in new and unforgettable ways.
As Indianapolis continues to evolve, events like the Monumental Awards remind residents that the city’s progress is built—quite literally—on vision and collaboration. And with projects like the IMS Museum leading the way, it’s clear that the region’s design legacy is just getting started.
For more information about the 2025 Monumental Awards and to view photos from the event, visit indychamber.com/2025-monumental-awards-winners or explore the event gallery at J. Antonio Chapital Photography.
