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10 Years at Levey Mansion

2010-2020

Merging Two Indianapolis Stories

Perched at the corner of Meridian and 29th Streets in downtown Indianapolis, the Louis H. Levey Mansion has served as an ideal setting for Sagamore Institute to conduct its work as a think tank in America’s heartland. Woven together, the separate legacies of Sagamore and Levey formed a new narrative—one fusing city’s centuries’ long commitment to civic participation with a relentless pursuit of innovation. We invite you explore the galleries below to observe the architectural beauty of Levey Mansion, and to celebrate our favorite events and speakers we have hosted here in the past decade.

Mr. Levey's Neighborhood

Louis Levey, owner of a nationally-recognized printing company, was one of the leaders of the Indianapolis social scene at the turn of the century. Levey’s neighbors and fellow residents of Indianapolis were political and cultural giants; his neighbor, Charles Warren Fairbanks, was vice president to Teddy Roosevelt when the Levey Mansion was being constructed. On May 30, 1907, Fairbanks accompanied President Roosevelt on a visit to Indianapolis to dedicate a statue to Civil War Gen. Henry Lawton at the old Marion County Courthouse on East Washington Street. Mr. Levey is pictured here along with TR, Vice President Fairbanks, and dignitaries such as James Whitcomb Riley.

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The Louis Levey Mansion

It’s no surprise that the Levey Mansion was known at the turn of the twentieth century as one of Indianapolis’ finest homes. Built by Louis Levey in 1906 for his wife Meta, the mansion was designed as if it were a miniature European palace. A balustrade terrace wraps around the exterior and elements of the Italian Renaissance Revival—like the marble onyx and ormolu fireplace and ornate stained glass skylight—decorate the interior. The parlor was structured to resemble a Louis XV style drawing room, with delicate plaster moldings decorating the walls and ceiling. Please explore the gallery below and see the interior and exterior of Levey Mansion in all its beauty.

Built in 1905, the Italian Renaissance-style mansion may have been designed by the Indianapolis firm Rubush and Hunter, who designed Louis Levey's printing plant.
Built in 1905, the Italian Renaissance-style mansion may have been designed by the Indianapolis firm Rubush and Hunter, who designed Louis Levey's printing plant.
The rounded bay on the west end of the south facade has a half-story podium beneath large windows separated by Tuscan pillasters, and is crowned by a simple entablature with a frieze of laurel wreaths.
The rounded bay on the west end of the south facade has a half-story podium beneath large windows separated by Tuscan pillasters, and is crowned by a simple entablature with a frieze of laurel wreaths.
The north facade has a one story porte-cochere supported by square pillars.
The north facade has a one story porte-cochere supported by square pillars.
The front entrance features a prominent round arch of the doorway and the grilled openings let into the frieze of the entablature.
The front entrance features a prominent round arch of the doorway and the grilled openings let into the frieze of the entablature.
The dining room's ceiling is broken into coffers by wood mouldings and the canvas-covered panels painted with a grape and vine motif.
The dining room's ceiling is broken into coffers by wood mouldings and the canvas-covered panels painted with a grape and vine motif.
Multiple layers of scrolled wrought iron were used to create the decorative balustrade of the main stair.
Multiple layers of scrolled wrought iron were used to create the decorative balustrade of the main stair.
Original leaded stained glass skylight that illuminates the grand central staircase.
Original leaded stained glass skylight that illuminates the grand central staircase.
The marble onyx and ormolu fireplace in the library.
The marble onyx and ormolu fireplace in the library.
Ormolu detailing of the fireplace
Ormolu detailing of the fireplace
The dining room and library decorated for an event at Levey.
The dining room and library decorated for an event at Levey.
The Levey Mansion in the fall
The Levey Mansion in the fall
The Levey Mansion in the winter snow
The Levey Mansion in the winter snow
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A Place for Gathering

Following in the footsteps of Louis Levey, Sagamore has provided a place for convening—a place where policymakers, practitioners, and citizens gather to create grassroots solutions to society’s biggest problems. For the past decade, we are honored to to provide this space for disparate groups and offer wise counsel to a world in progress. We invite you to check out some of our favorite events hosted at Levey.

US Sen. Richard Lugar delivered remarks during the release of Sagamore’s Indiana-Africa Connections Project, a database that lists more than 250 Indiana individuals and organizations who regularly engage with sub-Saharan Africa.
US Sen. Richard Lugar delivered remarks during the release of Sagamore’s Indiana-Africa Connections Project, a database that lists more than 250 Indiana individuals and organizations who regularly engage with sub-Saharan Africa.
Sagamore scholar Jerry Pattengale served as Executive Director of the Green Scholars Initiative, designed to facilitate academic study of the artifacts in the Green Collection. Sagamore was pleased to host an event at Levey showcasing selected items from the collection. 
Sagamore scholar Jerry Pattengale served as Executive Director of the Green Scholars Initiative, designed to facilitate academic study of the artifacts in the Green Collection. Sagamore was pleased to host an event at Levey showcasing selected items from the collection. 
In September 2010, Sagamore Institute welcomed a group of Indiana mayors to hear Lt. Governor Becky Skillman highlight her then-recent agricultural trade mission to Zhejiang Province, Indiana’s sister state in China. The event signaled the formal launch of Sagamore’s Mayors’ Roundtable Initiative.
In September 2010, Sagamore Institute welcomed a group of Indiana mayors to hear Lt. Governor Becky Skillman highlight her then-recent agricultural trade mission to Zhejiang Province, Indiana’s sister state in China. The event signaled the formal launch of Sagamore’s Mayors’ Roundtable Initiative.
Llew Wells, former producer for The West Wing, spoke to an audience at Sagamore about the mission of Living City Block, a venture to make cities far more energy-efficient.
Llew Wells, former producer for The West Wing, spoke to an audience at Sagamore about the mission of Living City Block, a venture to make cities far more energy-efficient.
Sagamore held a lunch reception honoring Liberia's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency William Bull. The reception included brief remarks by Ambassador Bull on the role of the Liberian Diaspora and its remittances in Liberia’s National Development.
Sagamore held a lunch reception honoring Liberia's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency William Bull. The reception included brief remarks by Ambassador Bull on the role of the Liberian Diaspora and its remittances in Liberia’s National Development.
Sagamore hosted 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee at the Levey Mansion and Mayor Ballard’s office presented Ms. Gbowee with the key to the city.
Sagamore hosted 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee at the Levey Mansion and Mayor Ballard’s office presented Ms. Gbowee with the key to the city.
Hunter Smith was the punter on the Indianapolis Colts team that won a Super Bowl. Following his playing career, he published a booked titled “The Jersey Effect” and founded a band. Here he is performing at Levey.
Hunter Smith was the punter on the Indianapolis Colts team that won a Super Bowl. Following his playing career, he published a booked titled “The Jersey Effect” and founded a band. Here he is performing at Levey.
In 2011, Judge Ken Starr, President of Baylor University, spoke at Sagamore during a breakfast reception. Starr delivered his speech with the guidance of a pocket-sized copy of the US constitution, which each member in the audience received.
In 2011, Judge Ken Starr, President of Baylor University, spoke at Sagamore during a breakfast reception. Starr delivered his speech with the guidance of a pocket-sized copy of the US constitution, which each member in the audience received.
Dr. Amy Sherman completed over 7,000 surveys to produce a groundbreaking report on the role of women in philanthropy.
Dr. Amy Sherman completed over 7,000 surveys to produce a groundbreaking report on the role of women in philanthropy.
Sagamore project partner Nicole Baker Fulgham offers keynote at a Back to School roundtable.
Sagamore project partner Nicole Baker Fulgham offers keynote at a Back to School roundtable.
ICOC 2017 participants experienced historical reenactments of the Civil War era and heard experts speak about our state's centennial heroes.
ICOC 2017 participants experienced historical reenactments of the Civil War era and heard experts speak about our state's centennial heroes.
Sagamore hosted historian Richard Brookhiser for remarks on his book, John Marshall: the Man Who Made the Court Supreme.
Sagamore hosted historian Richard Brookhiser for remarks on his book, John Marshall: the Man Who Made the Court Supreme.
Sagamore hosted an evening reception featuring U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Mrs. Mathilde Mukantabana.
Sagamore hosted an evening reception featuring U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Mrs. Mathilde Mukantabana.
Boys Scouts of America CEO Robert Mazzuca delivered remarks on the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scouts program.
Boys Scouts of America CEO Robert Mazzuca delivered remarks on the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scouts program.
Corbin Addison visited Levey to discuss his novel revealing the tragedy of human trafficking.
Corbin Addison visited Levey to discuss his novel revealing the tragedy of human trafficking.
Indiana agriculture leaders convened at Levey to discuss Hoosier farming innovations in Africa.
Indiana agriculture leaders convened at Levey to discuss Hoosier farming innovations in Africa.
Sagamore hosts an annual internship program. The 2011 summer class is pictured here with the Liberia’s ambassador to the US.
Sagamore hosts an annual internship program. The 2011 summer class is pictured here with the Liberia’s ambassador to the US.
John Miller delivered remarks at Levey on his book describing how Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football.
John Miller delivered remarks at Levey on his book describing how Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football.
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Sen. Richard Lugar honored Sagamore's unveiling of it's Indiana-Africa Connections Project, a database that lists more than 250 Indiana individuals and organizations who regularly engage with sub-Saharan Africa.
Sen. Richard Lugar honored Sagamore's unveiling of it's Indiana-Africa Connections Project, a database that lists more than 250 Indiana individuals and organizations who regularly engage with sub-Saharan Africa.
Llew Wells, former producer for The West Wing, spoke to an audience at Sagamore about the mission of Living City Block, a venture to make cities far more energy-efficient.
Llew Wells, former producer for The West Wing, spoke to an audience at Sagamore about the mission of Living City Block, a venture to make cities far more energy-efficient.
Sagamore hosted 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee at the Levey Mansion and Mayor Ballard’s office presented Ms. Gbowee with the key to the city.
Sagamore hosted 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee at the Levey Mansion and Mayor Ballard’s office presented Ms. Gbowee with the key to the city.
Sagamore Institute hosted Judge Ken Starr, President of Baylor University, for a breakfast reception. Starr delivered his speech with the guidance of a pocket-sized copy of the US constitution, which each member in the audience received.
Sagamore Institute hosted Judge Ken Starr, President of Baylor University, for a breakfast reception. Starr delivered his speech with the guidance of a pocket-sized copy of the US constitution, which each member in the audience received.
Nicole Baker Fulgham, founder and president of The Expectations Project, visited Sagamore to discuss her new book, "Educating All God's Children", and the role churches in Indianapolis can play in closing the achievement gap.
Nicole Baker Fulgham, founder and president of The Expectations Project, visited Sagamore to discuss her new book, "Educating All God's Children", and the role churches in Indianapolis can play in closing the achievement gap.
Sagamore hosted an evening reception featuring U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Mrs. Mathilde Mukantabana. Her excellency shared the work of development, growth, and peace happening in Rwanda.
Sagamore hosted an evening reception featuring U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Mrs. Mathilde Mukantabana. Her excellency shared the work of development, growth, and peace happening in Rwanda.
Sagamore Institute hosted a book event featuring Richard Brookhiser where he discussed his newest book, John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Court Supreme.
Sagamore Institute hosted a book event featuring Richard Brookhiser where he discussed his newest book, John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Court Supreme.
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Notable Speakers at Levey

Sagamore is honored to have hosted several notable civic leaders, business professionals, authors, and the like at Levey Mansion to facilitate solution-focused discussions to society’s biggest problems. Scroll through this gallery to read about some of our favorite speakers throughout the years. 

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Indiana Conference on Citizenship 2017

In August 2017, Sagamore held its third annual Indiana Conference on Citizenship (ICOC) at the Levey Mansion. This conference aimed to celebrate the Centennial Spirit of Indiana’s best leaders in government, business, and arts and letters, whose friendships and contributions inspire us to follow their example. ICOC 2017 participants experienced historical reenactments of the Civil War era and heard experts speak about our state’s centennial heroes.

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Hunter Smith Band Performs at Levey Mansion

In 2011, former Colts punter Hunter Smith joined Sagamore Institute as Director of its Sports and Culture Initiative. After playing football for Notre Dame, Smith went on to win the Super Bowl in 2006 with the Indianapolis Colts. After a brief stint with the Redskins, Hunter made his home in the Hoosier state and now performs regularly with the Hunter Smith Band, pictured here at Levey Mansion. 

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Biblical Artifacts at Sagamore

The Green Collection is one of the world’s largest private collections of rare biblical texts and artifacts. Sagamore scholar Jerry Pattengale served as Executive Director of the Green Scholars Initiative, designed to facilitate academic study of the artifacts in the Green Collection. Sagamore was pleased to host an event at Levey showcasing selected items from the collection. 

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Sagamore's Mayors' Roundtable Initiative

In September 2010, Sagamore Institute welcomed a group of Indiana mayors to hear Lt. Governor Becky Skillman highlight her then-recent agricultural trade mission to Zhejiang Province, Indiana’s sister state in China. The event signaled the formal launch of Sagamore’s “Mayors’ Roundtable Initiative,” an effort to serve as a link between Indiana mayors and potential trade relationships in China. While in China, the Lt. Governor delivered Sagamore’s part of a joint study to the Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences.

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Liberia Ambassador William Bull Visits Levey

Sagamore held a lunch reception honoring Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency William Bull. Reflecting Sagamore’s interest in private participation in international assistance, the reception included brief remarks by Ambassador Bull on the role of the Liberian Diaspora and its remittances in Liberia’s National Development.

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Amy Sherman and Women Doing Well

Sagamore fellow Amy Sherman served as Principle Investigator for a Women Doing Well project (WDW). WDW was founded with the goal of serving women and bridging their professtional relationships in a faith-based fashion. Sherman presented a public briefing on the report with Ron Blue, co-hosted by Sagamore Institute and WDW.