OUR STORY
As one of Old Town Greenwood’s most historic buildings, we’re thrilled to be the new owners of an iconic building in our community as we work to refresh this beautiful space. At the corner of Main Street and Madison Avenue, we’re updating the ballroom event space, while keeping its landmark charm, and creating a distinctive retail area that showcases artisan-crafted products from local Indiana makers.
AN ICONIC BUILDING
breathing new life into downtown Greenwood
Another nineteenth century architectural style represented in the district, the Romanesque Revival style, is found on the third corner of the district's intersection at 181 South Madison Avenue.
The Grafton Peek building is a two story, red brick building with round arched windows on the second floor. The Romanesque Revival influence is evident by the corbelled brickwork with hints of wall buttresses and a blind arcade across the main facade, the round arched windows and oculi vents along the south facade.
The building name is incised on a stone tablet in the cornice. The ground floor along the main facade has been altered with new brick infill and windows. New canvas awnings have been added to the ground floor window openings. - National Register of Historic Places
"The community has been incredibly welcoming, and we want to actively engage and give back. There has been substantial investment in downtown Greenwood, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
-Megan Yeagy
The construction of the Grafton Peek building began in downtown Greenwood in 1889. Throughout the years, it has served various purposes, including a financial center, town hall, mercantile, and public center. Most recently, it operated as a ballroom and event space, hosting weddings and other special occasions.
We purchased this historic space in 2023. Within this multi-story structure, we have two distinct businesses for the downtown Greenwood community…
THE HISTORY OF OUR BUILDING
In the spring of 1889, Grafton Peek decided to build a new brick building "with all modern improvements".
Multiple teams of horses drawing wagons full of brick were coming and going from Franklin by the middle of August. Work was briefly slowed because stones, doors, and windows were not delivered timely in late August, but work did progress fairly quickly after that. The brickwork was completed by October 2nd and the building was said to "have an appearance of architectural beauty."
Contractor William Gray put stone pavement in place by November, and the primary contractors began installing counters and shelves by the end of November. The inside work was done enough by the first week of December for the Order of Odd Fellows to hold a festival in what was now would be called "Peek's Hall" going forward. Glass and windows were installed for the front of the store by mid-December, and by 20 December, "Grafton Peek is at home in his new building, and a model structure it is for beauty and convenience."
On 27 December, Peek's Hall held its grand opening that included music "furnished by an Italian band of Indianapolis." Peek had his general store on the first level of his building, and the upper level was a hall where large town events were held and the town board would later meet. Peek ordered 400 chairs for the hall and had a huge event for music lovers with the Higgins Concert Company in February 1890. He eventually had awnings placed on the building and plastering done on the inside of the building by the summer. The building was fully completed by the fall of 1890--about a year after construction started.
Peek ran his general store until [he passed] on 28 February 1926. The building stayed in his family for many years before beingsold. [Previous] owner Jim Lill renovated the building in 1985 and nominated the impressive Romanesque Revival structure for the state and National Register of Historic Places that year. It was approved for both, though the National Register does not have the building listed anymore, for reasons [unknown]. However, the building is within the Greenwood Commercial District that is on the National Register.
Grafton Peek gave "The Crossroads" and downtown Greenwood perhaps its most famous building in 1889. He also did something very unusual that ensured we still call the building by its name today whereas we do not with others in the commercial district--he put his name in stone at the top. Because of his bold move, everyone today still knows Grafton Peek's name (and the businesses bearing his name.) - Courtesy of Brad Nemeth, Restore Old Town Greenwood.
Grafton Peek Building on the right with the Greenwood High School Band performing tunes when Victory in Europe Day was proclaimed by President Harry S. Truman, 8 May 1945. Picture courtesy of The Daily Journal via the Greenwood Marching Woodmen and Irish Guard website.
Marcus "Dick" Alva Rogers, delivering ice along Madison Avenue south of Main. This was taken as a part of a series of Greenwood "People at Work" taken by The Greenwood News between 1937 and 1941. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Postcard of Madison Ave. looking North from Main St. c. 1910, with Grafton Peek Building to the right. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Copy of Grafton Peek receipt from 1891 for a purchase from the Greenwood School District. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Grafton Peek advertisement in the register of "The Idlewood Hotel" (near East Main Street by the Greenwood Sanitarium). This advertisement would have been from 1903. Courtesy of the Johnson County Museum of History.
The full advertisement from "The Idlewood Hotel" register from 1903. Courtesy of the Johnson County Museum of History.
Advertisement for Grafton Peek's store, unknown year. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Grafton Peek advertisement in the register of "The Idlewood Hotel" (near East Main Street by the Greenwood Sanitarium). This advertisement would have been from 1903. Courtesy of the Johnson County Museum of History.
A cropped and close-up view of the interior of the Grafton Peek Building. Estimated that this picture was taken in the early 1900s. This picture was provided by Lee Davidson who owned the building in 1995. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History, from "The Greenwood Gazette", 1995.
From an unknown source when the First Federal Savings and Loan Association moved into the building. Estimated between 1935 and 1939. On the left side is a drug store or grocery store. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Grafton Peek advertisement as a part of the leather cover for the hotel register of "The Arlington" (which opened in 1895 across from the Greenwood Sanitarium on East Broadway). This advertisement would have been from 1895. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
The wood-frame general store which was built by The First Grafton Johnson (Grafton Peek's uncle) sometime in the 1840s or 50s (probably 40s). In 1889 when Grafton Peek had his new building constructed, he had this old building moved east next to the new building. This building was then razed in 1913 (estimated). This picture is from a book about the ancestry of Grafton Johnson, written in 1924.
Grafton Peek advertisement, unknown year. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Corner of Madison and Main Street toward Grafton Peek Building. This picture is presumed to be from the 1930s. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Taken by The Greenwood News presumably between 1937 and 1941. The caption says it is of the "Peeks Drygoods Store" and the two women are Josephine Lucas and Laura Jennings. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
A description of Grafton Peek's store from the Franklin Democrat newspaper, 1 Dec 1911.
Believed to be taken at a July 4th parade in 1908. This picture was from The Daily Journal's Johnson County Sesquicentennial special edition in 1973.
A Greenwood street scene outside Grafton Peek's Building. This picture was probably taken after 1913 (after the old Grafton Johnson wood-frame general store, that had been to the right of it, was torn down). Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Grafton Peek Building from the side looking west down Main Street toward Madison Avenue. Estimated from the summer/fall of 1922. Courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society.
Main Street looking east (Grafton Peek Building is center left) circa 1910-1915. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Main Street looking west. Grafton Peek Building is center right in the background. This picture is from between 1906 and 1909. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Thought to be what became Main Street looking due west toward the Madison State Road intersection. The white structure in the background middle is believed to be the wood-frame structure that Grafton Johnson built for his general store and where the current Grafton Peek Building is located. This is from the book of Grafton Johnson's ancestry from 1924.
Grafton Peek Building at Main-Madison Intersection 21 Sep 1981 in The Indianapolis Star.
Madison Avenue looking north. Believed to be from 1911 or before as the road was bricked and the roadway lowered a couple feet in 1911.
Madison Avenue looking south with a bit of Grafton Peek Building showing. Labeled 1922. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Main St. looking West c. 1950s. Courtesy of Jill Chenoweth 17 Sep 2013.
Main St. Looking East c. 1930s. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
Main St. Looking East with Interurban, circa 1928. Courtesy of Johnson County Museum of History.
AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT…
the family business was eventually sold, leaving Brian and Megan with a golden opportunity to embark on a new adventure. They had a vision - to create an exceptional event space and incorporate a retail area, both dedicated to showcasing the talent of local vendors.
To bring their vision to life, Brian and Megan sought guidance from Brian's sister, an entrepreneur coach. Spending 48 hours with her, they explored their aspirations and started their business plan. Focusing on downtown Greenwood for their venture, they stumbled upon Grafton Peek, a historic cornerstone that was for sale. This unexpected discovery prompted them to dream bigger and consider owning this iconic building.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Here’s our behind the scenes story of how this remarkable venture came to be…
Meet Brian, our co-founder and industry veteran. Brian was involved with his family’s restaurant and music venue his entire life, and with over 16 years of full-time experience, he has gained a deep understanding of creating unforgettable experiences by wearing multiple hats and taking on diverse roles.
Megan joined the same business where Brian worked and their professional collaboration eventually turned into a love story. After working together for over 8 years, Megan pursued her passion for the events industry and became an award-winning meeting and events planner.
As they stepped foot into the Grafton Peek building, they couldn't believe their eyes. It was a perfect match for their vision, as if their dreams had materialized into bricks and mortar. Serendipitously, their plans aligned harmoniously with the building's original purpose, breathing new life into its historic roots.
While the event space was a natural fit for Brian and Megan's expertise, the retail space presented a new and exciting challenge. However, they felt a deep connection with the community and were confident that it was an opportunity to offer something truly special.
Today, Grafton Peek is a place where local vendors can showcase their exceptional talents and memorable experiences await.
Come and be a part of our story at Grafton Peek, where history and innovation intertwine to create extraordinary moments that will leave a lasting impression.
On the ground floor, we have our Grafton Peek Mercantile, a space that brings together artisans and vendors from across the area, offering one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Here, you can explore a variety of modern home decor from Wise Words Studio, delightful candles from 9th Street Candle Co., unique felt goods from Stitch Me Some Mo, and beautiful watercolor artwork from Lovely Homes by Skye, among many other treasures.
WELCOME TO THE MERCANTILE
We’re all about Indiana homemade gifts and goods—a haven for handmade treasures.
Grafton Peek Social Hall, a timeless meeting and event space located on the building’s second floor, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. Since 1889, this venue has been a cornerstone of memorable gatherings, offering a rich legacy of hosting events that stand the test of time. Whether booking a private affair or attending one of our public events, we provide a distinguished backdrop for a wide variety of occasions.
