Historic 'Wedding Cake House' in Indianapolis Now for Sale

Indiana Landmarks announces the Kemper House, a restored 1873 home, is on the market after decades of preservation efforts.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An impressionistic, blurred image of an ornate historic home, its architectural details and warm lighting captured in soft, hazy pools of color, conveying the timeless elegance and significance of the Kemper House.The sale of the historic Kemper House in Indianapolis marks the end of an era for the preservation organization that has cared for this architectural gem for nearly 50 years.Indianapolis Today

The Kemper House, a historic 1873 home in Indianapolis that was saved from demolition and later restored, is now on the market after being owned and maintained by Indiana Landmarks for nearly 50 years. The home, nicknamed the 'wedding cake house' for its ornate architectural features, was originally gifted by Charles Pierson to his wife Mary Alice Schofield.

Why it matters

The sale of the Kemper House marks the end of an era for Indiana Landmarks, the preservation organization that has cared for the property since 1977 when it was donated by the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. The home's history and architectural significance make it an important part of Indianapolis' cultural heritage.

The details

The Kemper House, located at 1028 N. Delaware Street, was built in 1873 and was originally slated for demolition before Eli Lilly, a founder of Indiana Landmarks, stepped in to save and restore the property in 1962. Lilly then donated the home to the Episcopal Diocese, which used it as offices until 2009 when it returned to residential use. Indiana Landmarks has maintained the home as its regional office and the residence for its president until now.

  • The Kemper House was built in 1873.
  • Eli Lilly restored the home in 1962 and donated it to the Episcopal Diocese.
  • Indiana Landmarks received the property in a donation from the diocese in 1977.
  • Kemper House served as Indiana Landmarks' regional office until 2009.
  • The home was used as the residence for Indiana Landmarks' president from 2013 to 2025.

The players

Eli Lilly

One of the founders of Indiana Landmarks who saved the Kemper House from demolition and restored it in 1962.

Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, which was previously the owner of the Kemper House.

Brad Ward

President of Indiana Landmarks, the organization that has cared for the Kemper House for nearly 50 years.

Charles Pierson

The original owner who had the Kemper House built in 1873 as a gift to his wife, Mary Alice Schofield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is proud to have been a part of the long history of Kemper House. We are grateful for the care provided by our trusted partners at Indiana Landmarks and their commitment to ensuring its continued legacy.”

— Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

“We are grateful for the Episcopal Diocese's generosity in entrusting the Kemper House to us in 1977. It has been our honor to steward this remarkable property for nearly fifty years. We look forward to finding the next caretakers who will continue its legacy.”

— Brad Ward, President of Indiana Landmarks

What’s next

Indiana Landmarks will be working to find a new owner for the Kemper House who will continue to preserve its historic character and architectural significance.

The takeaway

The sale of the Kemper House marks the end of an era for Indiana Landmarks, but also an opportunity for a new caretaker to take on the responsibility of preserving this important piece of Indianapolis' cultural heritage. The home's unique 'wedding cake' design and storied history make it a valuable asset worth protecting for generations to come.