In the heart of Indianapolis, a historic site underwent a remarkable transformation. The former Zonie’s Closet space, long a cultural cornerstone for the LGBTQ+ community, has been reimagined as Café Oztara, a vibrant, multipurpose facility extending Damien Center’s impactful mission. With the help of Schmidt Associates, this adaptive reuse project combines historic preservation architecture with modern functionality to create an inclusive community space for connection, empowerment, and renewal.

Honoring history, designing for the future

Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest and largest statewide AIDS services organization, acquired this historical property with a clear vision: to create a safe, inclusive space that celebrates its significance within the LBGTQ+ community while expanding  services. Through thoughtful architecture and interior design, the facility  has been reborn as Café Oztara—a coffee shop, employment center, gallery, and administrative office space. The Café operates as a social enterprise – which means all proceeds from coffee or pastry sales go towards supporting the educational and employment services at Damien Center.

In homage to its history, the design preserved the general footprint to include key elements such as the original service bar and platform for performances and entertainment.These features were thoughtfully integrated into a design that embodies resilience, renewal, and rebirth. By emphasizing historic preservation architecture, the project honors the cultural and structural integrity of property while transforming the building into a vibrant, modern facility.

A design rooted in accessibility and sustainability

The 4,900-square-foot building underwent a full renovation that balances respect for its history with the needs of a modern, multipurpose space. Structural repairs, new subflooring, updated utilities, and enhanced accessibility—including ADA-compliant restrooms and a secondary staircase—were all part of the transformation. By incorporating accessibility-focused design principles and sustainable building renovation practices, Café Oztara became both welcoming and functional for all who visit.

To better serve its purpose, a 520-square-foot addition replaced an older rear structure. This expansion provided essential amenities while also aligning with modern standards of sustainable building renovation.

“We were honored to partner with the Damien Center on this meaningful project,” said project manager Eddie Layton. “Our goal was to reflect the mission of Damien Center while creating a space that inspires and uplifts the community it serves.”

A catalyst for urban revitalization in Indianapolis

At its heart, Café Oztara is more than a building—it’s a platform for change. The new facility houses expanded employment services, supporting more than 500 individuals annually with workshops, job-search assistance, and professional development. With programs designed to improve self-sufficiency and wellness, Damien Center empowers clients to achieve meaningful employment and financial stability.

The inaugural art exhibition, Rekindled, further amplifies this theme of renewal. Featuring diverse Indianapolis artists, the show explored ideas of new beginnings and welcomed visitors to the space in a celebration of community creativity. By bringing life back to the former Zonie’s Closet space, this project contributes to urban revitalization in Indianapolis, reinforcing Damien Center’s role as a cornerstone of hope and opportunity in the city.

Building resilience, together

The transformation of the former Zonie’s Closet space into Café Oztara embodies Damien Center’s commitment to inclusivity, wellness, and empowerment. By blending historic preservation with modern functionality, the design honored the past while inspiring a brighter future.

At Schmidt Associates, we are privileged to help bring this vision to life. Adaptive reuse projects like Café Oztara demonstrate the power of thoughtful design to transform lives and strengthen communities.

We invite you to visit Café Oztara (www.cafeoztara.com) and experience its impact. Share your visit on social media with #CaféOztara. Drop us a photo and join the conversation on how this space reimagined community in Indianapolis. To learn more about Schmidt Associates’ work in transforming spaces like Café Oztara, visit https://schmidt-arch.com/community-studio/.