Honoring Legacy Through Design: Dean’s Steakhouse & Seafood, Indianapolis
When White Lodging envisioned Dean’s Steakhouse and Seafood in downtown Indianapolis, they wanted more than a restaurant. Their goal was to create a legacy destination that honored Indiana businessman and veteran Dean White, capturing his life, values, and contributions to the state’s hospitality industry.
RCG Art Advisory enlisted the help of Gemini Builds It to transform decades of personal and family history into an experience that guests could see and feel from the moment they entered.
PRESERVING A LIFETIME OF STORIES
RCG and White Lodging wanted to weave Dean White’s story throughout the restaurant’s design. They shared hundreds of family photographs, business archives, and historical documents that captured milestones from his life.
The challenge was to turn this vast archive into a cohesive visual story that felt elevated and authentic. Every image needed to reflect the sophistication of the restaurant’s design while preserving the warmth of the family’s legacy.
BrINGING IT TO LIFE
Our team began by scanning and digitizing more than 500 photos and documents and providing a proof. Working alongside RCG, we reviewed and selected the best pieces to use and then sized them to perfectly fit within the space.
Each image was printed on our high-resolution printers and framed using a mix of restored vintage frames and new, custom-built styles. This blend of history and modern design created a unified look that complemented the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere throughout the dining room, bar, and private dining areas.
WHERE LEGACY LIVES ON
Today, Dean’s Steakhouse and Seafood feels both personal and timeless. The space invites guests to connect with Dean White’s legacy through art that celebrates his entrepreneurial spirit, service, and community roots.
For Gemini, this project reflects what we do best: helping clients bring meaning to their spaces through collaboration, creativity, and design that tells a story. Every image and frame serves as a reminder that great design can capture a legacy and keep it alive for generations.
Big thank you to RCG Art Advisory for their collaboration and partnership, and to White Lodging and the Dean Family for letting us be a part of your history.
