How would you like your Indianapolis Central Library experience with a side of étoufée?
In the near future, it looks like that will be possible. Yats, the beloved locally-owned chain of cajun-creole restaurants, is moving into some ground floor space in the Ambassador Apartment building at 9th and Pennsylvania Sts., next to the Central Library (see the curving north side of the library at left in the picture). The twist? This Yats will feature a full bar serving cocktails. Yats joins a mixture of bars and restaurants already established on the 900 block of Pennsylvania, including Datsa Pizza, Urban Element and the Living Room Lounge.
Buckingham Properties recently purchased the Ambassador Apartment building from the Central Library and has also been quietly buying every available property immediately north of the library. In the area bounded by Meridian, 10th, Pennsylvania and the Central Library, they envision a mixed-use block called Library Square. It's refreshing to see the fruits of their work, despite the bad economy. In addition to Yats, the refurbished Ambassador Apartments reopened recently and a Key Bank branch is set to open at Meridian and Sahm Sts. shortly.
See additional information on Property Lines. Sounds like this may be a bit more than just adding alcohol service to the existing Yats concept.
9 comments:
Sounds cool. Didn't know they had a sign up there already.
Those guys in the picture were putting the sign up while I was eating lunch at Urban Element today -- just lucky timing! I snapped the photo as we were leaving.
I hope this Yats uses dishes and cutlery instead of the disposable junk some of the other locations have!
I talked to the proprietor at Urban Elements a few weeks ago and he said this was happening. At the time I thought it might be hearsay, but it sounds like it's true. He also said there was a buyer for the Abbey property, as well as someone who hoped to renovated the eyesore apartment building next door.
I attended a meeting where there was discussion of this plan. One co-developer was involved with Meridian (the restaurant at 58th & Meridian), so it's likely to be way more upscale than a regular Yat's.
Thanks for the additional info AmericanDirt and cdc guy. It's good to hear that someone is already looking at The Abbey space, but renovation of that apartment building is arguably more important to the perception of that area. That would be a HUGE lift.
This area really has amazing potential. Having a development company like Buckingham pushing things (and relocating into the area), along with there being essentially zero entrenched interests really helps. From Buckingham's webpage and the initial renderings of their Library Square plans, they appear to know what they're doing.
Love YATS paper plates and all. It is their food I go for! Can't wait to visit their new location!
According to the Yats guy on Mass Ave...
This will only be a yats in name.
The menu will be more french inspired cajun food, closer to what you'd expect at a higher quality restaurant in New Orleans. If you're looking to get your Chili Cheese fix with a beer, it probably wont' be here.
They're looking to open early '10.
any one know when this will be open?
Post a Comment