Indy CD & Vinyl rebirth built with community in mind
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Ain't no party like a Broad Ripple party. Justin L. Mack/Axios
The owners of Indy CD & Vinyl say the Broad Ripple business's next chapter is purpose built with the entire neighborhood in mind.
Why it matters: In addition to bringing back the live stage that Indy's largest independent record shop lost during the pandemic, a grand reopening celebration held over the weekend included the debut of a new space that aims to transform a tragedy into opportunity.
Flashback: A March 2024 shooting inside the former Landsharks claimed the life of Timothy Brown Jr., left five others wounded and led to the bar's permanent closure after nearly 20 years in business.
- As the next-door neighbors to Landsharks, Indy CD & Vinyl owners Andy and Annie Skinner made the decision to expand into the vacant space to create "The 808," an all-ages community stage and event venue.
What they're saying: "Not only did we have to deal with losing a neighbor that we've had for 20 some years and someone losing their life, but we were also faced with the prospect of public perception," Andy told Axios. "We had to fight the perception that there are vacant storefronts. We had to fight the perception that it's violent. And so, the opportunity to fight that perception was given to us."
- "What we thought was a six-month project became an 18-month project. But here we are, and honestly, we couldn't be prouder. We made lemon mojitos out of lemons."
Driving the news: The weekend gave Indy residents a first look at how the upgraded Indy CD & Vinyl flows into The 808.
- Live music and a rotation of local DJs who spun on The 808's built-in DJ booth set the vibe as customers toured the expanded shop and collected pieces for their vinyl collections.
- Gamers had their pick of arcade cabinets and pinball machines to run up high scores, and those who wanted to capture the moment forever could snap shots inside a photo booth.
Between the lines: Despite the renovation taking longer than anticipated, Andy said the additional time helped them hone in on what would make The 808 a valuable addition to Broad Ripple.
- The vision is a multi-use space for everyone that has both education and live performance at its core.
- "Another thing that we've done with this space is we've given Broad Ripple what we call a third space," he said. "There really is no proper place other than on the Monon to sit or to commune with your people. Now we've got a place where you can hang out."
Yes, but: Indy CD & Vinyl is staying true to its sound after 23 years of becoming a must-stop spot for collectors and crate diggers.
- "We will not lose our identity with this," Andy said. "We are a world class record store first, and we will always be a place where you can come and buy physical product by your favorite artists every day of the week. We're just extra."
If you go: Indy CD & Vinyl & The 808, 806-808 Broad Ripple Ave.
- 11am-7pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday.