Indianapolis Architectural and Historical Icons

The initial stage of Indianapolis’ architectural development occurred during the latter two decades of the 19th century. The population of the Indiana’s capital city doubled during this era necessitating expanded city planning vision to accommodate the growth. The downtown Governor’s Circle parcel transformed from an ecclesiastical center into a commercial vortex centered by the enormous Soldier’s and Sailors’ Monument. Many of the surrounding commercial developments were designed to create a compatible and uniform appearance. During these two decades, several major iconic projects were completed included the Union Station, State Capitol Building, City Market and the Athenaeum.The entrance into the 20th century supplemented these structures with cultural institutions including the Indiana Repertory Theatre, War Memorial Plaza, American Legion Headquarters, Murat Shrine and Old National Center. The Scottish Rite Cathedral became one of the grandest and largest Masonic buildings globally. Walker’s Theatre and the Circle Towers remain timeless examples of Art Deco design.During the latter two decades of the 20th century, the historic downtown shopping district became integrated with fresh contemporary skyscrapers. The six-sided OneAmerica Tower was completed along with the Bank One Building in 1990, (currently renamed as the Salesforce Tower) to become the city’s tallest high-rise. These additions have created an aesthetic equilibrium between classic and contemporary design.Nineteenth Century ArchitectureGallery 42, Roberts Park United Methodist, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, John The Evangelist Church, Hammond Block, Wasson’s, L. S. Ayers and Block’s Department Stores, Benjamin Harrison Residence, Lew Wallace Residence, Algonquin Building, Stouts Footwear, Burnside Inn, James Whitcomb Riley Home, Indiana Statehouse, Union Train Station, Dartmouth Building, Birch Bayh Federal Building, Athenaeum, First Friends Missionary Baptist, Calvin I. Fletcher House, Journal/Edison Building, and Martens BuildingTwentieth Century Architecture (1900-1949)Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Emelie Building, Lockerbie Court, St. Elmo Steakhouse, Lodge Building, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, Massala Building, Meridian United Methodist Church, Richelieu Building, Knights of Pythias Lodge #56, Louis Deschler Building, Vienna Building, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Murat Shrine Temple, Old National Centre, Majestic Building, Consolidated Building, Academy Building, Traders Point Church, Arsenal Tech High School, Zion Evangelical Church, James Allison Mansion, Mayleeno Apartments, Turn Vereign Club, Hilbert Circle Theatre, Haugh Building, Central Public Library, Buggs Temple, Duesenberg Motor Factory, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Garfield Arts Center, Guaranty Building, Dearborn Hotel, One Jackson Square Building, Sommers Mansion, Test Building, Civic Theatre, Illinois Building, Columbia Club, Barrister Building, Chamber of Commerce Building, Rivoli Theatre, Walker Theatre, Circle Tower Building, Scottish Rite Cathedral, St. Joan of Arc Church, Sears Building, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Indiana Bell Building, American Legion Mall, Indiana State Library, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Corteva Coliseum, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Indianapolis Athletic ClubTwentieth Century Architecture (1950-1999)Armory Building Grounds, St. Augustine Home, Newfields Museum of Art, Hilton Garden Inn, Kurt Vonnegut Museum, Indianapolis Convention Center, AT & T Building, Market Square Building, Hyatt Regency Hotel, OneAmerica Tower, Landmark Center, Capital Center Complex, Gateway Plaza, Pan Am Tower, Simon Building, Market Tower, Westin Hotel, Salesforce Tower, and Indianapolis Artsgardens...and more