You've probably seen it. If you’ve ever driven toward the heart of the Wholesale District or grabbed a pre-game beer near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, that massive, blue-tinted glass curves right along the skyline. It’s hard to miss. Specifically located at 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204, this isn't just another office block. It’s a landmark. For years, locals just called it "The Anthem Building." But things have changed. Downtown Indianapolis isn't the same as it was five years ago, and the massive footprint of this specific address tells a story about how corporate America is shrinking—or at least, shifting.
It sits right on the edge of the Cultural Trail.
Most people just drive past and wonder if anyone is actually in there. Given the rise of remote work, it’s a fair question. This 700,000-square-foot behemoth has been the nerve center for Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.) for a long time. But in an era where "office space" feels like a dirty word to some CFOs, the reality of 220 Virginia Avenue is more nuanced than a simple "open or closed" status.
Why 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204 Matters to the Circle City
Location is everything. If you look at a map, this spot is basically the gateway between the high-energy sports atmosphere of the Fieldhouse and the more industrial-chic vibes of Fletcher Place. It’s a bridge. When Anthem (Elevance) decided to consolidate its headquarters here years ago, it was a massive win for downtown. It brought thousands of workers to the area. They ate at the local delis. They frequented the nearby bars.
Then 2020 happened.
The shift was tectonic. While many companies ditched their downtown leases entirely, Elevance stayed put, but they reconfigured. They didn't just walk away from the 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204 site; they leaned into it as their primary hub. They even sold off their other massive campus on the city's outskirts to focus on this downtown core. That’s a huge vote of confidence for Indianapolis. It’s also a bit of a gamble. When one company occupies such a massive chunk of the 46204 zip code, the local economy feels it every time they change their "return to office" policy.
The Architecture: More Than Just Glass
It’s an impressive structure. Designed with that distinct, sweeping curve, the building was meant to reflect a sense of transparency and modernity. Inside, it’s a maze of high-end corporate infrastructure. We’re talking about massive data centers, specialized wellness areas for employees, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer some of the best views of the Indianapolis skyline.
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Honestly, the views are probably the best part.
If you're on one of the upper floors, you can see straight into the stadium. You can track the progress of the various construction projects that are constantly popping up in the Mile Square. The building itself was designed to be LEED certified, which was a big deal when it was built. It uses advanced HVAC systems to keep energy costs down, which is necessary when you're cooling nearly a million square feet of space during an Indiana July.
What's Nearby?
The 46204 area is dense. If you’re visiting the building for a meeting or just exploring the area, you’ve got options.
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Literally steps away. If there’s a Pacers game, the energy around 220 Virginia Ave changes instantly.
- The Alexander Hotel: A few blocks south. It’s one of the most "art-forward" hotels in the country.
- Fletcher Place: Head southeast on Virginia Ave and you hit some of the best food in the city (Milktooth, anyone?).
- City Market: A bit of a walk north, but still the historic heart of Indy's food scene.
The Impact of Elevance Health's Presence
Let’s talk numbers for a second, but not the boring kind. We're talking about the economic heartbeat of the city. Elevance Health is a Fortune 50 company. Having their name on the door at 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204 is a prestige play for the city. It keeps property values in the 46204 zip code stable.
But there is a downside to this kind of corporate concentration.
When a single entity dominates a block this size, the street-level experience can sometimes feel a bit... sterile. Unlike Mass Ave, which is bursting with tiny storefronts, the Virginia Avenue stretch near the building is very "corporate campus." There’s been a lot of talk among urban planners in Indy about how to make this area more "walkable" and less "I'm just passing through to get to my desk."
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The Cultural Trail has helped. It literally runs right past the front door. This gives employees a reason to bike to work or take a walk during lunch, which keeps the area from feeling like a ghost town during the day.
Misconceptions About the 46204 Area
A lot of people think downtown is "dying" or that these big office buildings are empty shells. That’s just not true. While the way people use 220 Virginia Avenue has changed—think hybrid schedules instead of 9-to-5 grinds—the building remains a hive of activity.
Another misconception? That there's no parking.
Actually, the parking situation around 220 Virginia Avenue is better than most of the downtown core. There are massive garages integrated into the site and nearby. It was built for a high-volume workforce, so the infrastructure is there. Is it expensive? Yeah, sometimes. But it’s not the nightmare you’ll find near Monument Circle.
Realities of Doing Business in 46204
If you're looking at this address from a real estate or business perspective, you have to understand the tax landscape. Indianapolis has been aggressive with TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts. This area has seen massive investment because of it.
The building at 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204 is a pillar of that investment.
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However, the "office of the future" looks different. Companies are no longer looking for endless rows of cubicles. They want collaborative spaces. They want tech-integrated boardrooms. Elevance has been retrofitting the interior of this building to match that vibe. It's less about "where do I sit?" and more about "why am I coming in today?"
How to Navigate the Area Like a Local
If you have business at this address, don't just park in the first expensive lot you see.
- Check the Pacers schedule first. If there's a home game, parking prices within a three-block radius of 220 Virginia Ave will triple.
- Use the Cultural Trail. If you're staying nearby, it's genuinely faster to walk or use a bike-share than to navigate the one-way streets and construction.
- Eat in Fletcher Place. The "cafeteria" vibes of the immediate corporate area are fine, but three blocks away you have world-class dining.
- Watch the signals. The intersection of Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland is one of the most confusing for pedestrians in the whole city.
The Future of the Anthem Building
What happens next? There are rumors occasionally about further consolidation. That’s the nature of big business. But for now, 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis IN 46204 remains the anchor of the southeast quadrant of downtown.
The city is currently pushing for more residential conversions downtown. While it’s unlikely this specific glass tower becomes apartments anytime soon (the floor plates are way too big for that to be cost-effective), the surrounding buildings are changing. We’re seeing more people living within a five-minute walk of this office than ever before.
That shift from "office district" to "neighborhood" is what will keep 220 Virginia Avenue relevant. It’s no longer just a place people go to work; it’s a part of the backdrop for people who actually live downtown.
Actionable Steps for Visitors or Professionals
If you are heading to this location for work or a visit, here is what you actually need to do to make it a smooth trip:
- Security Protocol: This is a high-security corporate headquarters. Don't expect to just wander into the lobby to look at the architecture. You'll need a badge or a pre-registered visitor pass. Have your ID ready at the desk.
- Transit Options: The Red Line (IndyGo's rapid transit) has stops nearby. If you’re coming from the north side or University of Indianapolis area, it’s much cheaper than paying for a garage.
- Meeting Spots: If you're meeting someone who works at 220 Virginia Ave, suggest meeting at a coffee shop in the nearby Alexander Hotel. It’s a more relaxed environment and much more "Indy" than a corporate lobby.
- Delivery Logistics: If you’re a courier or delivery driver, the loading docks are on the backside. Don't try to pull up to the front glass—security will move you along faster than you can say "Uber Eats."
The 46204 zip code is the heart of Indiana’s economy. And while the skyline might change, the massive presence of 220 Virginia Avenue is a constant. It’s a testament to the city’s ability to attract big players and, more importantly, keep them here even when the world of work starts to look a lot different than it did when the ribbon was first cut.
Check the local traffic reports before you head down. Between the construction on I-65/I-70 (the North Split aftermath) and the events at the Fieldhouse, the streets around this address can get tight. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes. You’ll need it.