(UNDATED) – Most people know about architecturally rich Columbus, however few know there’s a church in New Harmony designed without a roof or that you can take a boat ride on an authentic aqueduct in Metamora, the only one of its kind in the US. Indiana is home to rare architectural gems.
Indiana has a rich architectural history, and the Indiana Architectural Foundation wants people to know about it and experience it. The Foundation today is announcing a statewide database that features some of the state’s most significant architecture. It’s the first database of its kind in the state, where visitors can learn more about the architecture of buildings old and new and learn how Indiana’s economy and culture have been shaped through design.
“Our goal is to showcase Indiana’s architectural history,” said Dan Brueggert, president of Indiana Architectural Foundation. “We hope people will not only want to learn about it but also visit the public buildings to see just what makes them so special.”
The list was compiled by a team of Indiana architects and input from historic preservationists. The committee wanted to make sure that the database included structures that were architecturally significant, connected to historically significant people or events, were located throughout the state, including a variety of building types and building ages. Many of the buildings are open to the public.
For example, you can tour the only saddletree factory in the US in Madison or have dinner at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend, which is a rare example of Richardsonian Romanesque-style architecture used in a residential structure. Visit Paramount Theater in Anderson and experience an atmospheric theater popular in the early 20th century means, or at Hilbert Circle Theater, you’ll see one of the first movie palaces built in the Midwest and the oldest film theater in Indianapolis.
You can see the entire list at www.architectureindiana.com.
The initial 50 sites on the list are just a beginning. Indiana Architectural Foundation plans to continue to add to the database.
The Indiana Architectural Foundation promotes public awareness of architecture and supports future architects through an annual scholarship program. You can learn more about the Foundation at www.indianaarchitecturalfoundtion.org.
