Modern Living in Historic Roots

The Janus Loft Apartments property was constructed in 1905 and housed the Fahnley and McCrea Millinery Company for over 40 years, before being bought by the Kipp Brothers wholesalers. The building is one of the few remaining in the wholesale district that has been occupied by a wholesaler since its construction. The structure is unique in that it has two identical facades on McCrea and Meridian Street. A third facade fronts Louisiana Street immediately across from the historic Union Station. The property is under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, requiring all exterior renovations to conform with the Wholesale District neighborhood plan and standards. The interior includes original wood floors in the lobby, tin metal stamped ceilings, and cast iron columns with ornamental cornices. The building's common area will integrate into its design panels from the original elevators as part of its overall lighting scheme. Ceiling heights range from nearly 16 feet on the ground floor to 11 feet on the top floor.

The "Janus" name is taken from the ancient Roman god of passage, doorways and beginnings. The god had two faces, one was always looking towards the future and the other always looked into the past. The developer has adopted this name to draw attention to its twin facades and its transformation from a manufacturing to a living environment.