The Conservatory at Evergreen
Indys Newest Premier Event Venue
Writer / Alesha McCarty
Photographers / Michael Durr & Daniel Woody
The sun sparkles over gentle ripples in a pond, and light reflects through clear glass walls, catching on the golden embers of candlestick chandeliers. Surrounded by a dense forest full of evergreens, cottonwoods and maple trees, upon a long, winding dirt road, the Conservatory at Evergreen lies just on the outskirts of the city.
Nestled on 23 acres and bordered by the peaceful, flowing runs of Eagle Creek and the Eagle Creek Dam, you would never know this venue exists just a short drive off Interstate 74 on the west side of town.
Debbie Hasbrook, the owner of Hotel Broad Ripple, purchased the property from the Kernel family in April of 2018. The 23-acre property was home to the Kernels for more than 100 years. The property went on the market as a two-bedroom, one-bath house off of 34th Street for nearly $750,000. The property featured a log home, rental home, guest cabin, which may be similar to those cabins for rent, with a garage, separate mechanic garage, indoor and outdoor owner-operated dog day care, artesian well, three-acre stocked pond, and fish hatchery.
We knew we could do something amazing here and didnt want the land to be developed into just another apartment complex, says David DePrez, Hasbrooks son.
They have done something inspired with the property while respecting the land around it, and its just the beginning.
Hasbrooks first step was to build a new space just west of the pond. The Conservatory greenhouse will serve as a reception and ceremony space. The building is a stunning, 5,000-square-foot glass, metal and stone structure that can accommodate up to 250 people. While the venue can be reserved for a multitude of events, as a wedding space it is truly a gem.
The black-paned glass windows provide a 270-degree view of the property. An extensive, partially covered 2,700-square-foot deck leads out to views of the pond east of the property. The cozy, two-bedroom cabin lies to the north, and just over the ridge on the west side flows Eagle Creek. Parking and an additional cabin lay to the southeast of the property, which is conveniently hidden by the kitchen and other building amenities.
The Conservatory and grounds occupy the secluded property on 34th Street. The space offers a drive-up to the stunning entrance, bordered by industrial iron columns and softened by beautiful landscaping. A portico features a glass ceiling, so visitors can enter the property and admire the skies above while being protected from the elements.
Once inside, you can admire the whole property to the left, and a variety of service and amenity spaces to the right. A coat check with a custom, wooden Dutch door offers a space for visitors to check their items. Two ample restrooms with beautiful, custom concrete countertops and stained-wood stall doors are just down the hall. Theres also an impressive catering kitchen outfitted with garage doors for bringing in large items, fridges, three-bay sinks and abundant workspace. Above the service spaces, just up a small staircase, is a cozy, quaint room. The space can serve as additional private quarters for the wedding party, with a gorgeous balcony looking over the event space. The balcony provides perfect photo opportunities for wedding couples, or bouquet tosses.
The open space is ready to be transformed into the reception of your dreams. Many brides have discussed separating the space with black-and-white, checkered dance floors, large area rugs and a variety of seating, DePrez says. The options are endless. While the space is surrounded by glass windows that embrace nature, the entire ridge of the roof can be opened for clear views of the sky. Large French doors line the east wall leading out to the deck for additional seating on the pond.
A short walk up the hill from the Conservatory is a log home, the Cabin, built in 1930. Rumor has it that the space used to serve as an underground casino. Visitors will be greeted by a massive stone fireplace, plenty of open space for wedding parties, one large master bedroom that is perfect for getting ready, one smaller bedroom, a quaint bathroom, and a cozy kitchen with sweet touches like a built-in window seat. Just on the other side of the stone fireplace is a screened-in porch overlooking the pond and an old fish hatchery. Overstuffed, vintage rattan couches and a cozy atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax before a ceremony.
Across from the Cabin is a small building, previously used for a dog day care. It will eventually be transformed into another space for guests, and has massive windows overlooking Eagle Creek streams.
Near the entrance of the property is another modest, two-bedroom bungalow home. The space has been transformed into the perfect place for a bridal party to get ready. The living space offers sleek, modern white couches, while the previous dining space has been transformed with makeup mirrors, tons of table space and full mirrors. The space offers an additional private room for brides, as well as a small guest room that is perfect for resting throughout the day. The kitchen offers visitors a place for coffee, sink space, and a fridge perfect for holding snacks and libations for a bridal party to enjoy before their ceremony.
Next door is an additional guest cabin with a garage and separate mechanic garage. This, for now, serves as a beautiful photo backdrop with a forest-green, wood-clad exterior and giant carriage doors. The staff members hope to eventually restore this area for additional event space.
The Conservatory will serve as a year-round facility, and officially opens in March of 2023. However, they already have more than two dozen events booked. In the spring, the grounds will be covered in lush greenery, creeping thyme and blooming cottonwood trees. In the fall, the foliage will beam with orange and red from the maple trees. In the winter, the frozen pond will glisten amongst the evergreens. No matter what time of year you book, the Conservatory at Evergreen will serve as the picture-perfect backdrop for your special occasion.
The Conservatory at Evergreen is located at 8140 West 34th Street in Indianapolis. For more info including event pricing, call 317-787-2665 or visit evergreenindy.com.
