MARCH/APRIL 2018

EXPLORING THE FAMOUS ARCHITECT’S LEGACY IN

MODERNIST MECCA NUMBERS TELL THE STORY Preservation Conference New study proves value heads to Columbus of historic districts FROM THE PRESIDENT STARTERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Gregory S. Fehribach Hon. Randall T. Shepard Read the sign, please Honorary Chairman William R. Goins Rushville James P. Fadely, Ph.D. aoli kicked off 2018 by Chairman Tracy Haddad Columbus celebrating the reopening Wright in Indy Carl A. Cook Past Chairman David A. Haist of the 1880 Gospel Street Culver P WHEN WE THINK OF Frank in Indiana, naturally Parker Beauchamp Bridge over Lick Creek follow- Vice Chairman Judith A. Kanne we think of his architectural output of seven surviving houses Rensselaer ing a two-year rehabilitation. Marsh Davis designed between 1906 and 1954. But there’s also the story of President Christine H. Keck A semi-truck driver drove onto Evansville Wright, the person, in Indiana and the impressions he left. Like Sara Edgerton the bridge, ignoring the posted Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Matthew R. Mayol, AIA the buildings he designed, his physical presence left a slender but Indianapolis weight limit sign, on Christmas Thomas H. Engle vibrant thread in our state’s architectural narrative. Assistant Secretary Sharon Negele Day in 2015. The iron twisted and Attica Wright’s most famous visit to Indiana was his last. In November Brett D. McKamey the structure collapsed. When Treasurer Cheryl Griffith Nichols Little Rock, AR the insurer suggested a cheaper of 1957, at age 90, the oddly endearing curmudgeon presented a lec- Judy A. O’Bannon ture at the John Herron Museum of Art in Indianapolis. Accounts Secretary Emerita Martin E. Rahe replacement, local officials and Cincinnati, OH our affiliate Saving Historic of this event attest to Wright’s wry humor and lack of reserve in DIRECTORS James W. Renne Newburgh Orange County successfully lob- expressing his opinions. Hilary Barnes Indianapolis George A. Rogge bied to keep and repair the origi- The director of the John Herron Art Museum, the renowned Gary Elaine E. Bedel nal, a charming historic entry to Wilbur Peat, dispatched his 25-year-old son David (who had a nicer Indianapolis Sallie W. Rowland Indianapolis Paoli’s downtown. Three cheers! car than his father) to convey the legendary architect from Weir Edward D. Clere New Albany Doris Anne Sadler GREG SEKULA Cook Airport to the museum where he was to present a lecture on Indianapolis Cheri Dick his recent architectural designs. David recalls a theatrically formal Zionsville Matthew G. Stegall Richmond Wright, donned in black cape and pork pie hat, observing with dis- Julie Donnell Fort Wayne Brad Toothaker South Bend pleasure the landscape between the airport and downtown. When Jeremy D. Efroymson they passed the Marion County General Hospital, Wright opined Indianapolis Charlitta Winston Indianapolis LANDMARK LEXICON “Look at that. What an ugly building.” (David, less than endeared, declined to attend Wright’s lecture that evening.) OFFICES & HISTORIC SITES Springer Spring & Springer During the lecture, Wright declared downtown Indianapolis Headquarters Southeast Field Office “doomed.” Promise, he prophesied, lay in the suburbs. He described Indiana Landmarks Center Aurora SPRING MARKS THE START OF NEW growth 1201 Central Avenue 812 926 0983 the World War Memorial as a “grey mass,” and he extolled the Indianapolis, IN 46202 Southwest Field Office rising from the earth. Also signaling upward [email protected] Evansville virtues of the J. C. Penney Building on Monument Circle, which he 317 639 4534 momentum in , the spring is the 812 423 2988 observed must have been designed “by some out of town man.” 800 450 4534 Western Regional Office starting point from which an arch rises from Northwest Field Office Terre Haute These and other of Wright’s observations on that chronicled Gary its support, and a springer is the first wedge- 812 232 4534 occasion still stimulate thought provoking conversation. That, in 219 947 2657 Huddleston Farmhouse shaped piece in a masonry arch or vault. In Central Regional Office Cambridge City itself, testifies to the lasting impact of Wright in honest discussions Indianapolis Winamac, limestone springers abut carved 765 478 3172 of Indiana’s architecture, gleefully complementing the tangible 317 639 4534 Morris-Butler House faces with floral ornament at the base of the Eastern Regional Office Indianapolis legacy of Indiana’s seven Wright-designed houses that, likewise, Cambridge City Pulaski County Courthouse entry. 317 639 4534 Spring continue to stimulate and inspire. 765 478 3172 Veraestau Northern Regional Office Aurora South Bend 812 926 0983 574 232 4534 French Lick and West Northeast Field Office Baden Springs tours Wabash 866 571 8687 (toll free) 800 450 4534 Marsh Davis, President 812 936 5870 Southern Regional Office Jeffersonville - 812 284 4534 designed homes still For the Davis home in Marion, Frank Lloyd Wright drew on the On the ©2018, Indiana Landmarks; ISSN#: 0737-8602 stand in Indiana Midwest setting as well as a design he had created for a Lake Indiana Landmarks publishes Indiana Preservation bimonthly Cover Tahoe resort. PHOTO BY DAVELANDWEB.COM for members. To join and learn other membership benefits, See p. 8 for the complete story LEE LEWELLEN visit indianalandmarks.org or contact memberships@ (PHOTO BY JOHN CLOUSE) indianalandmarks.org, 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534. To offer suggestions forIndiana Preservation, contact editor@ indianalandmarks.org. 2 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 3 PRESERVATION CONFERENCE 2018

examining how historic building own- ers can deal with water infiltration, a common enemy of landmarks of every vintage. The preservation conference showcases Columbus’s Modernist landmarks on tours and as the venues for sessions exploring The Columbus Way, conserving Modernist land- scapes, and how to preserve and celebrate landmarks of the Mad Men era and later. For example, on April 18, a field session led by RATIO Architects at Cummins’ headquar- ters explores how the firm plans to update and improve the 1983 build- ing designed by architect while respecting its original design and restoring iconic elements. ABOVE: Along with Other sessions cover dealing with abandoned properties and Cleo Rogers Memorial Library— education sessions creative placemaking, a timely subject as Columbus celebrates and networking the Bartholomew County Public opportunities, you the success of last year’s , a three-month Library’s flagship, designed by I.M. can sign up for design exhibition that drew over 50,000 visitors. Landmark Pei in 1969—also hosts sessions. Two tours of Columbus’s Columbus shares its experiences organizing the event, while meals take place at The Commons, famous land- the Gary Decay Devils offer lessons they’ve learned restoring marks, including adapted from Cesar Pelli’s design, the former Irwin beauty and pride to such neglected landmarks as the city’s 1910 with the kinetic sculpture Chaos I by Union Bank, now a Union Station, a ruin transformed into a parklike area with a Learning from Columbus Jean Tinguely. The historic barn at the conference center, garden, murals, and benches. Henry Breeding Farm is the venue designed by Eero Keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema of PlaceEconomics Saarinen in 1954. FOR ARCHITECTURE AFICIONADOS, COLUMBUS Eliel and Eero America’s first modern religious build- for a buffet dinner. Tour-goers can PHOTO BY HADLEY FRUITS in Washington, DC, will outline his firm’s findings in is a must-visit destination, with seven Modernist National Saarinen’s First ings. The simple statement-making also sign up for a special conference a just-completed study of preservation’s economic and Christian Church, LEFT: Two con- Historic Landmarks. It’s a place where within a few city blocks built in 1942 is design spans a city block, a rectangular tour of the J. Irwin and Xenia Miller ference meals quality-of-life impact in Indianapolis (see more on follow- you can find masterpieces by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Harry the oldest of structure with a main façade of grid- House, a National Historic Landmark take place in The ing page). Other speakers address the topic of sustainability Columbus’s seven Commons, adapted Weese, I.M. Pei, Cesar Pelli, and Richard Meier sharing the ded limestone squares and a 160-foot designed by Eero Saarinen in 1953, from different angles. James Lindberg, senior directorTOMMY KLECKNER of the streetscape with nineteenth-century commercial blocks and Modernist National bell tower. with original interiors by Alexander from Cesar Pelli’s National Trust’s Preservation Green Lab, explores the green Historic Landmarks. original design, homes. If you attend Preserving Historic Places: Indiana’s The church hosts Like other buildings of its era, First Girard and a landscape by . where you’ll be qualities of historic buildings. Jonathan Spodek of Ball State Statewide Preservation Conference in Columbus on April the statewide pres- Christian shows its age, with water fascinated by the University discusses the role of preservation in addressing 17-20, you’ll get to experience landmarks of both eras. ervation conference infiltration threatening the sanctuary kinetic sculpture climate change. While the conference covers a host of topics and issues, this April 17-20 and pro- skylight, the subject of a $160,000 Chaos 1 by Jean A partnership stages the conference: Indiana Department vides a case study Tinguely. year’s agenda emphasizes saving and reviving Mid-Century for an education repair campaign by Friends of First PHOTO BY RICHARD GAYNOR of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Modern buildings—the source of Columbus’s international session. Christian Church Architecture, a Archaeology, Indiana Landmarks, and Indiana University, with recognition. Columbus earned the moniker “ of the PHOTO BY LEE LEWELLEN group working to rehabilitate the support from the and Columbus Area Prairie” in the 1960s for its world-class architecture and landmark church in cooperation Visitors Center. The conference costs $150 per person and $75 enlightened leadership. Today, the city of less than 50,000 with First Christian Church, Indiana per student for registration by March 2; after March 2, registra- people claims more than 90 examples of Landmarks, Landmark Columbus, tion is $175 per person and $100 for students. Registration and public art. and the Heritage Fund-Community includes all education sessions, a reception, two luncheons, Columbus’s first modern design serves as conference head- Foundation of Bartholomew County. and two dinners. For more information and to register, go quarters. Designed by Finnish architect and his On April 20, the church provides a to bit.ly/PHPColumbus2018, or call Indiana Landmarks, son Eero Saarinen and built in 1942, it is considered one of case study for an education session 317-639-4534.

4 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 5 NEWS LANDMARK TALK

rates, abandoned housing, and prox- imity to parks, public transportation, and bike lanes. Though the districts represent about 5% of the city’s geographic area, they tend to outperform the city as a whole in every category. For example, looking at the average property value per square foot using assessment records from 2003 to 2013, the value of undesignated areas stayed largely flat, while the locally landmarked areas rose in value. The team also examined the effect of the housing market crash in 2008 in National Register districts and Looking for Louis locally landmarked areas. The crash affected housing prices across the TODAY, HOMEOWNERS GET INSPIRATION FROM On March 22, and ugly. “He’s designed mansions but board, but while property in the city home improvement magazines, house makeover TV shows, Deedee Davis’s he’s also designed places for people of free illustrated talk as a whole has not recovered to pre- Instagram feeds, and Pinterest boards. At the turn of the twenti- digests how her modest means,” says Davis. 2008 values, historic districts have not eth century, Indianapolis architect Louis Henry Gibson offered research on her So far, Davis has identified 30 only recovered but posted significant the equivalent in two nationally published house plan books, own house led to Gibson houses in Indianapolis’s gains in property value. volumes that showed a variety of designs, allowing people to her discovery of Herron-Morton Place and Old Indianapolis archi- “The quality and character of dream even if they couldn’t afford to build. Some did execute his tect Louis Gibson Northside historic districts, historic neighborhoods appeals to designs, although finding them can require detective work. and his output, Greenfield, and Marion that incorpo- a whole bunch of people, and older After discovering that she lived in one of Gibson’s designs in furthered by his rate Chateauesque, Arts and Crafts, neighborhoods tend to be closer to Indianapolis’s Herron-Morton Place Historic District, Deedee house plan books. and Shingle-style influences, lots of You can find his the center of a city, which offers their Davis began a hunt to identify his work around the state. work throughout windows, and ornament with a Louis residents some advantages,” notes On March 22, the visual resources specialist for Herron Art Indianapolis (below, Sullivan flair (the Chicago architect Donovan Rypkema, principal of Library will share how she discovered Gibson and his architec- in Woodruff Place) was a friend and classmate at MIT). and beyond (above, PlaceEconomics. “The data seems to ture in a free illustrated talk at Indiana Landmarks Center in in Greenfield). Learn more about Gibson’s legacy bear out that people want to be in a Indianapolis. The talk will be of interest to anyone interested in ABOVE PHOTO BY at Davis’s talk, “Convenient and CANDACE HUZIAK Preservation Values place where the quality and character historic house research. Beautiful: The Architecture of Louis of the neighborhood is protected.” He Gibson studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology H. Gibson,” on March 22. RSVP at FOR DECADES, SINCE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Indiana Landmarks also noted that Indianapolis historic (MIT) and Ecole de Beaux-Arts in Paris. He practiced in indianalandmarks.org/gibson-lecture began designating historic buildings and districts, elected commissioned districts are more economically diverse Indiana from the 1880s until his death at age 53 in 1907, col- or call 317-639-4534. Washington, officials and residents have seen the protection as a revitaliza- DC-based than the city as a whole—a surprising laborating on designs for state mental hospitals in Logansport, tion tool. To honor the 50th anniversary of the Indianapolis PlaceEconomics to finding to many. Richmond, and Evansville, and Lindley Hall on Indiana Historic Preservation Commission in 2017, Indiana study Indianapolis’s Rypkema will present highlights University’s Bloomington campus. But his passion was residen- historic districts Landmarks hired Washington, DC-based PlaceEconomics including Lockerbie from the study at a plenary session, tial architecture. to analyze demographic and economic data to determine the Square (above) and “The Value and Values of Preservation,” His first book, Convenient Houses, published in 1889, impact of historic district designation in the capital city. document their eco- on April 19 at the statewide preserva- contained 50 plans for houses with central heating, indoor nomic and quality- PlaceEconomics compared Indianapolis’s designated of-life impact. tion conference in Columbus (see pre- plumbing, and contemporary kitchens. “Gibson was a forward- areas—13 local historic districts, 5 conservation districts, Watch our website, vious page). Visit Indiana Landmarks’ thinking person who gave consideration to the housekeeper, and 19 historic districts listed in the National Register of indianalandmarks. website, indianalandmarks.org, after the last person most people would have thought of in that era,” org, for the full Historic Places that are not also locally designated—with the report. April 19 for the full report. notes Deedee Davis. rest of the city. The study team examined the districts from a PHOTO © DIVISION OF In Beautiful Houses, published in 1895, along with house HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND number of angles: job attraction, property values, foreclosure ARCHAEOLOGY plans he offered his ideas on what made homes beautiful—

6 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 7 MASTER CLASS

Is there a more famous American architect than Frank Lloyd Wright? His work, eventful life, and outsized personal- ity have inspired architectural acolytes, documentaries, films, novels, and everything from furniture to finger puppets. Born in 1867 in Wisconsin, his career spanned seven decades, during which he produced 1,114 architectural designs, 532 of which were built. It’s a famous pedigree that offers no guarantee of protection. In January, the owner demolished a Wright-designed medical clinic in Whitefish, Frank Lloyd Wright designed Samara in West Lafayette Montana because preservation advocates couldn’t raise $1.7 million cash for John and Catherine Christian, who spent their lives commissioning everything the architect designed for in time to buy it. A threatened home Wright designed for his son David in the house, including textiles and furniture, and adhering Phoenix, Arizona, found a preservation-minded rescuer who bought and to his landscape plan. PHOTO BY LEE LEWELLEN

indianalandmarks.org 9 through to the Millers, an investment that helped convince a bank to give the young couple a mortgage. The Millers obtained a copy of the blueprints from , Wright’s home and studio, which along with physical clues and a handful of photographs, gave direction to their restoration. They also consulted architects at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and scoured the archives at Oak Park Library and the Art Institute of Chicago. They sent paint chips from the walls for analysis to deter- mine the original paint scheme and removed the 63 art glass windows, three windows at a time, for restoration by an firm. But the Millers’ sweat equity accomplished the bulk of work. “We wanted to bring it back as much as possible to exactly what it should have been,” says Suzanne. “We’re close

donated it to the School of Wright designed roofs with oversized eaves, and minimal ornamentation. Having ABOVE: The earli- ized plans intended as an affordable Architecture at Taliesin, a master’s pro- the Armstrong fam- just established his architectural practice in Oak Park, Illinois, just est of Frank Lloyd housing option for people of modest ily’s tri-level home Wright’s designs in gram that promotes Wright’s approach. in Ogden Dunes outside Chicago in 1898, a young Frank Lloyd Wright became Indiana, the 1906 means. The materials were pre-cut at Seven Wright-designed houses (above and below) lead champion for this new, distinctly American Prairie style. DeRhodes House Richards’ factory and shipped to a build- remain in Indiana. Designed between in 1939 as a series While Wright’s Prairie designs gained critical acclaim, Laura in South Bend ing site for assembly. Builders around 1906 and 1954, the homes illustrate of rectangles, with C. Bowsher of South Bend visited her friend Isabel Roberts, who illustrates the archi- the Midwest became licensed dealers, each level rotated tect’s take on the the evolution of Wright’s design ideas. 30 degrees to worked as a designer and draftsman at Wright’s Oak Park Studio Prairie style, with offering models beginning at $2,750, maximize views in Chicago. She commissioned a home for her and her soon-to- bands of art glass with Wright receiving a commission on of the surround- be-husband K.C. DeRhodes on South Bend’s West Washington windows under the each model sold from 1915 to 1917. ing landscape . Street. The 1906 stucco house features hallmarks of the Prairie eaves of a low- The enterprise ended at the outbreak THE PRAIRIE Current owners Pat hipped roof. HOME and John Peterson style, with art glass windows in long bands just under the eaves PHOTO BY JOHN CLOUSE of World War I, when the war effort returned to Taliesin of a low-hipped roof and a raised main living space. requisitioned building materials. LEFT: In Marion, the In the early 1900s, several Chicago to commission The house remained in the family until Laura DeRhodes’ Drawing on his previous relation- an addition from Davis House fea- architects took inspiration from the Wright apprentice death in 1951, when she left the home to a local church for a tures a teepee-like ship with Wright and his studio, wide-open, flat terrain of the Midwest Jack Howe in 1964. parsonage. The church sold it to Avalon Grotto Club, which to being complete on the vision. We’ve owned it since 1978, so core, with a living Ingwald Moe became a licensed ASB area taking up half to create architecture that reflected the PHOTOS BY ROB KOPECKY gutted the interior, removed original furnishings, and altered it’s about time.” contractor in 1915. He built at least the hexagon. As in environment, with strong horizontal the place in unsympathetic ways. When the club moved out in Another Prairie-influenced design attributed to Wright his other Usonian one ASB house in Gary: the mid-sized lines, bands of windows, low-pitched the late 1970s, little original material remained inside and harsh remains in Gary. In 1909, contractor Ingwald Moe wanted the designs, Wright model D101 for Etta and Wilbur South Bend winters had taken a toll on the stucco exterior. architect’s touch on his new home on Van Buren Street. Experts used simple, afford- Wynant, president of Gary National Enter Suzanne and Tom Miller, who arrived for Tom’s job as a believe the house plan replicates Wright’s design for the Charles able materials, Life Insurance Company, in 1915-16. including concrete professor of technical direction, scenic and lighting design at Indiana Brown House in Evanston, Illinois. Constructed by Moe’s com- block masonry The house was razed after being rav- University-South Bend. Tom Miller had studied Wright’s work for pany, the two-story house resembles the Evanston property in walls and poured aged by fire in 2006. his doctoral thesis on the influence of architecture on set design. He its low hipped roof, overhanging eaves, windows, and veranda, concrete floors Few American System-Built colored with red couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own a Wright-designed home. though with more stucco on the exterior. pigment. houses remain. Six models remain on “Once we knew this house was for sale here, there was no looking at PHOTO BY DAVE WEGIEL, Milwaukee’s Burnham Block, with DAVEWEGIELPHOTO.NET any other house after that,” says Suzanne, a retired administrator at one open for tours on select weekends. Indiana University-South Bend who recently assisted in fundraising MAKING IT AFFORDABLE The block’s rarity earned it a place on for South Bend Heritage Foundation, a community development Wisconsin’s Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, organization that assisted the Millers during restoration. Between 1911 and 1917, Frank Lloyd Wright collaborated with a driving tour of nine sites developed Indiana Landmarks made the inaugural loan from our developer and contractor Arthur L. Richards in Milwaukee to in honor of the architect’s 150th birth- revolving fund to South Bend Heritage, which it passed design American System-Built (ASB) houses, a series of standard- day in 2017.

10 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 11 Wright asking if he could recommend a former student to design a home for him in South Bend, Wright replied, “Why have an imitation when you can have the original?” The red brick house commissioned in 1948 includes a two-story living area with mezzanine to make the home look two stories, a neighborhood building code requirement. Marion native Dr. Richard Davis met the architect in 1950 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, while he was assisting on Wright’s gallbladder surgery. Taking Wright up on his offer to design a home for them, Richard and Elaine Davis visited the Mossberg House for ideas. They chose a wooded lot in Davis’s hometown, where the doctor was returning to family practice. Wright, who frequently bestowed names on his houses ABOVE: Contractor inspired by the environment they occupy, called the Davises’ DEMOCRATIC Ingwald Moe place Woodside. Wings extend out from a central hexagonal sought a Wright DESIGN design for his Gary core that resembles a tepee, an arrangement drawn from an home, which his unrealized design Wright had planned for a Lake Tahoe resort. As America came out of the Great own company built Built in tidewater cypress, with concrete block masonry walls John and Dorothy Haynes commissioned one of Wright’s Wright intended seed design motif in the home and Depression in the 1930s, Wright saw between 1909 and and poured concrete floors colored red by the addition of an smaller Usonian designs, a 1,350 square-foot residence finished to make the 1948 furnishings. Wright offered direction on 1910. The house Mossberg House in the need for affordable, well-designed plan is believed to iron oxide compound, the house reflected the architect’s com- in 1952 in Fort Wayne. Small but efficient, the design incorpo- South Bend home everything from the furniture and china houses for middle-class families as an be a replica of a mitment to simple, affordable materials in his Usonian designs. rated built-ins throughout, and used varying ceiling heights to a single level but to the toilet paper holder. After Dr. urgent need. He created designs he Wright design in Wright also designed a guest house and dog house for the fam- create visual interest, with the central living space dominated adjusted the plan Christian retired in 1989, he concen- labeled Usonian—a play on United Evanston, Illinois. ily’s Saint Bernard, and later the main house’s addition. by cantilevered brick fireplace. “It was a delightful house to live to satisfy neigh- trated on finishing the details, including PHOTO BY JOHN CLOUSE borhood building States of North America—that­ he Matthew Harris, the current owner, admired the home in in,” says architect and former owner John Shoaff, who recalls requirements. The having the copper fascia fabricated that touted as the realization of a democratic, BELOW: The Haynes his youth, when he used to drive by Woodside to visit a friend whiling away afternoons reading in the music room, which two-story home Wright had designed for the roofline. House in Fort graced the pages organic, uniquely American brand of Wayne illustrates the neighborhood. When it came up for sale, he didn’t hesitate. afforded views in two directions. “The fireplace was a bit of a The last furnishings commissioned by architecture. Rooted in his Prairie design The sixth owner, Harris has occupied the house for 21 years, mystery to me. It defied understanding how that thing stood.” of House + Home Dr. Christian before he died in 2015— efficiency in design in 1952. principles, Usonian houses possess a and classic Usonian during which time he’s connected with members of the Davis The Haynes House made national headlines in recent years PHOTO BY JOHN CLOUSE linens, bed runners, and a table runner similar horizontality, with flatter roofli- features in just family. He opens Woodside for Wright devotees, and rents the as the current owner sought to have its local historic designa- —are currently being fabricated. 1,350 square feet. nes, built-in furniture, less expensive The open plan property for overnight stays to allow fans the full experience of tion removed. Fort Wayne’s City Council denied the request, a Samara’s landscaping reflects the plan windows (no art glass, for example), and home features pig- a Wright design. decision supported by Indiana Landmarks and local preserva- dictated by Wright, a rarity for Usonian carports instead of garages. mented concrete “It took me quite a few years to get the furniture I thought tion organization ARCH. homes. The completeness of the prop- Five of Indiana’s Wright-designed floors and a carport would look right,” says Harris. “Generally I’ve tried to make The Christian House in West Lafayette, the last of Wright’s erty’s design earned Samara recognition instead of garage. houses are Usonians, from the 1939 PHOTO BY JOHN CLOUSE as little change as possible, trying to keep the property up in a Indiana commissions, may be the most fully executed expres- as a National Historic Landmark in tri-level Andrew Armstrong House style I think Wright would appreciate.” sion of his Usonian ideals. After marrying in 1948, John and 2015. “I find it amazing and admirable in Ogden Dunes to the John and Catherine Christian wanted a modern residence for their first that the Christians worked throughout Catherine Christian House in West home and decided no one but Wright would do as architect. their lives to fulfill their promise to Lafayette, completed in 1956. Wright Visiting him at Taliesin, Catherine prepared a 28-page Wright,” says associate curator Linda believed that the Usonian house booklet, “What We Need for How We Live,” detailing their Eales. Although their daughter Linda should take into account the needs space needs and how they would use each room, from family Christian Davis lives in Texas, she and of the family it served, with back- gatherings to faculty parties (Dr. Christian was a Bionucleonics Indiana Landmarks’ Marsh Davis and and-forth communication common professor at nearby Purdue). Stressing that they were on a bud- others on the board of the Christian between the architect and the owner. get, the couple struck a bargain with Wright: they would build Trust oversee the property today. Herman Mossberg had admired it and over time would implement every aspect of his design. It’s a collaboration worth seeing. Wright’s in Chicago and After four years of communication, the Christians received fin- Make plans to visit Samara when it seen the architect’s reputation grow ished plans in 1954 and completed the building in 1956. Wright opens for tours in April; reservations can with his design of in called the house Samara after the winged seeds produced by the be made by calling 765-409-5522 or on Pennsylvania. When Mossberg wrote site’s evergreens. He repeated an abstract version of the winged Samara’s website, samara-house.org.

12 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 13 LANDMARKS MEMBER PROFILE FOR ON THE MARKET see more at SALE indianalandmarks.org

SANFORD GARNER, WHO IN September rotated off Indiana Landmarks’ board after serving for six years, developed an early appreciation for design and the built environment. His father chaired Indiana University’s orthodontics department and his work Suzane Thomas House 9 North Church Street Sims House 828 East Adams Street, Muncie Brooklyn 226 West North Street, Delphi treating cleft palates took him and his family around the world, to Mexico, Alfred Grindle-designed 1896 Colonial 1890s church located 30 minutes from Civil War Captain Joseph A. Sims built Revival gem in National Register district downtown Indianapolis includes 5,106 this 4-bedroom Italianate in 1865. The throughout Europe, and the Caribbean. has 5,400 square feet (plus third floor square feet, newer roof, large daylight 30-foot wide family room addition “I would pay attention to sur- and basement), original woodwork basement. Property sits on two city lots boasts a 15-foot fireplace, oak floors roundings, and I noticed the impact and hardware, large rooms with lots totaling .4 acres. Church bell and most and wet bar. 4,100 square feet. Shady buildings had on people’s lives,” of natural light, eight fireplaces, and stained glass windows remain in build- one-acre yard with generous patio, large carriage house. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 ing, which has great structural bones, deck and screen porch. Sheltered park- Garner says, an architect who spe- baths. Saved from exploitation, and needs interior renovation. Zoned R-4. ing for 4 vehicles. cializes in historic preservation and Early Appreciator largely restored. urban design. “As a black person, $42,500 $299,900 $300,000 Dennis Dowling Kevin Kologinsky while I readily identify with my Architect Sanford Collaborative, he looks for ways to highlight historic features Frank Meeker 317-646-1345 215-990-5102 African heritage, I didn’t have any Garner promotes in his consulting projects, including Purdue University’s 1966 765-702-0717 [email protected] preservation in idea where my relatives came from in his profession and Harrison Hall and South Bend’s 1910 JMS Building, con- Africa. I do, however, know about as head of our verted into Studebaker Lofts. “I enjoy being able to build the my Cherokee and Choctaw heritage. African American case with clients that it can be less expensive to renovate his- Having access to a tangible piece of Landmarks toric details, and you end up with a building with much more Committee. His history means a lot.” designs adapt unique character,” says Garner. As president and founding part- historic buildings Garner points to the rescue of Indianapolis’s Phillips Temple ner of Indianapolis design firm RG for new uses while C.M.E. Church, constructed in 1924 by an African American retaining their congregation, as an example of why he values Indiana Landmarks. historic character. He transformed an In 2013, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) announced plans to 1879 Indianapolis raze the empty building to expand a parking lot. We put the struc- church into offices ture on our 10 Most Endangered list and successfully appealed (above). Today, the 1150 Smith Hill Road SE Tipton House Faith United Methodist Church building houses St. to IPS to delay demolition while we crafted an alternative solu- Corydon 2018 North Street, Logansport 1219 East Broadway, Logansport Joseph Brewery tion. Developer Van Rooy Properties transformed the church into and Public House. Temple Lofts, 18 market-rate apartments. One of the finest log homes in the 1850s home of former U.S. Senator Church built in 1926 has been home to PHOTOS PROVIDED Garner first connected with Indiana Landmarks in 1997 region dates to 1820s. Hand-hewn John Tipton, founder of Columbus, Ind., United Brethren, EUB, and Baptist con- 3-story home includes 5 bedrooms, has been featured in “This Old House” gregations. National Register-eligible when he joined our African American Landmarks Committee, 3.5 baths, 4000+ square feet, 3-car magazine. National Register-eligible and located in the Riverside Historic a group he now chairs. He and the committee hope for a detached garage, and 900 square-foot and located in the Riverside Historic District. Stained glass, 4 new furnaces, similar outcome for Indianapolis’s Bethel African Methodist guest house. Situated on secluded District. Hardwood floors, stained glass, 3 half-baths, lots of space. 20-acre wooded lot. Online only auc- built-ins. 4 beds, 1 bath. Episcopal Church, the city’s oldest African American church, $60,000 tion ends April 17 slated for incorporation in a hotel development. He’s joined $69,000 Memi Rennewanz Indiana Landmarks advocating for a design that protects the Beckort Auctions LLC Memi Rennewanz 574-992-8011 church’s character-defining features. 812-738-9476 574-992-8011 mprrealty.net www.beckortauctions.com mprrealty.net “Preservation doesn’t have to be as difficult or expensive as people think it does, if they have a heart for it,” says Garner.

14 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 15 TOURS

BRIEFLY NOTED

NOMINATIONS ARE due May 1 for Indiana Landmarks’ annual Williamson Prize for outstanding individual leadership in historic pres- ervation. May 1 is also the deadline for our Servaas On May 19, we offer a Landmark Look at the Butler In May, Indiana Memorial Awards recogniz- House, a restored Greek Revival gem in Dupont, near Landmarks ing outstanding achieve- Tours Show Restored, Repurposed, begins offering ment in historic preserva- Madison. Indiana Landmarks rescued the house. Mark monthly tours of tion in organization and in-Progress Landmarks Hopkins, then living in Florida, saw it for sale on our website the Athenaeum youth-serving categories. and snapped it up. (above and top left) You have until June 1 to IN MAY, INDIANA LANDMARKS Join Indiana brick-making, and the opportunity for refreshment from If you like tours with a dose of drama, make a reservation through September. nominate a farm owner for The 1890s German the John Arnold Award celebrates National Preservation Landmarks on food trucks along the way. for one of Indiana Landmarks’ Twilight Tours at the West spring tours, clubhouse includes for Rural Preservation, Month by launching our walking, from a May 19 In 1903, Congress authorized the creation of Fort Benjamin Baden Springs Hotel, offered once a month beginning May a theater, YMCA, recognizing preserva- bike, and site tours. Nearly all of our Landmark Look Harrison in Indianapolis following the standardized building 19. Costumed characters depict famous guests—golfer Walter German restaurant tion and continued use of tours in 2017 sold out, so make your at Mark Hopkins’ plan from the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps—parade ground Hagan, mobster Big Jim Colosimo, the “unsinkable” Molly and pub. historic farming-related PHOTOS BY MIKE WILTROUT buildings. All nomina- reservations early—and sign up at Greek Revival surrounded by officers’ homes, and barracks, with horse barns, a Brown, silver screen cowboy Tom Mix, and more—interpret- rehab-in-progress tions can be downloaded indianalandmarks.org to get our tour (above and top hospital, and other buildings on adjacent land. The fort closed in ing life at the hotel during its early grand era. The walking tour at indianalandmarks.org/ e-blasts (the way we let members know right) in Dupont, the ‘90s and the landmarks were repurposed to serve diverse pur- traverses the restored hotel’s soaring domed atrium and gardens. awards or you can receive of opportunities that pop up between near Madison, to poses. Join our tours of Fort Ben—walking on May 10 and biking And while it’s not until July 20-21, our Indiana Automotive a copy by mail by calling 317-639-4534. issues of the magazine). Indianapolis’s Fort on May 12—and stop for an inside look at a private home and the affinity group’s tour of auto collections in the Jasper area On May 5, Indiana Landmarks (bottom right), post’s pumphouse (now Midwest Studios, national maker of three- includes an overnight stay at West Baden Springs or French and the National Park Service which you can see dimensional models for architects, museums, and other clients). Lick—your choice—and you should buy your ticket and showcase a century of architecture on a May 10 walk- reserve your room soon to get the preferential rate! Like what ing tour or by bike in the Indiana Dunes on our third The month of May also marks the return of our regular on May 12. you’ve read? Logs to Lustrons tour, featuring nine PHOTOS: ABOVE BY MARK tours inviting deeper exploration of landmarks in the capital HOPKINS; BELOW © DIVISION Help Indiana Landmarks interiors and a dozen sites, from OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION city: Monument Circle on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. AND ARCHAEOLOGY achieve even more by: rustic log homes to mid-century and Indiana Landmarks Center on First Fridays accompany- glass and steel houses. This year, ing our gallery shows from 6-9 p.m. (both tours are free); Renewing your membership we’ve added a stop at the Good the ever-popular City Market Catacombs on first and third Making a donation in Fellow Club Youth Camp, a wood- Saturdays May through October, a ticketed tour; and our addition to membership land retreat with a redwood-sided new ticketed tours of the Athenaeum on the second Saturday Craftsman-style lodge used by U.S. (May through September) at noon. The tour explores Including Indiana Landmarks in your estate plans Steel’s engineers and their families the 1890s German clubhouse, designed by author Kurt from 1941 to 1976. Massive rough Vonnegut’s architect grandfather’s firm Vonnegut & Bohn, For more information limestone chimneys dominate the which includes a theater, YMCA, and its German restaurant talk to Sharon Gamble, great hall, overlooked by a U-shaped and pub, the Rathskeller. 800-450-4534 or visit mezzanine. The tour includes dem- Buy tickets and find more details on each tour at indianalandmarks.org onstrations of log construction and indianalandmarks.org/tours-events or by calling 317-639-4534.

16 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 17 CALENDAR MARCH-APRIL 2018 Rescue Party Apr. 28, Indianapolis

un party for a great cause—saving endan- FRENCH LICK 2017 for its transformation of the gered places. Night-in-Cuba decor by For details on events and to RSVP for & WEST BADEN landmark that had been shuttered SPRINGS TOURS Atmospheres Indy, Event Design & Décor, free tours or buy tickets: for more than 100 years. 4-5 p.m. Daily through with Cuban-inspired music by indianalandmarks.org/tours-events $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Buy December FStacy Sandoval and Orquesta Bravo. Lavish hors or call 800-450-4534 tickets at www.storytellingarts.org, West Baden d’oeuvres, late-night buffet, and delightful desserts. Springs Hotel 317-576-9848. Free wine, Cannon Ball Brewery craft beer, and Hotel 10 a.m., 2 & 4 p.m. Tango tasting bar with a signature Cuban cocktail, First Friday French Lick Architecture Talk plus a cash bar for old-school mixed drinks. Check Indianapolis Springs Hotel Mar. 22, Indianapolis out newly announced 10 Most Endangered exhibit, Noon Each month through December (except July), our Rapp Deedee Davis, visual resources get inspired by the winner of the Cook Cup for Tours depart from our Family Gallery hosts free art shows, with an option to tour our specialist at Herron Art Library, Outstanding Restoration, and bid on one-of-a-kind restored headquarters. 6-9 p.m. Landmarks Emporium became a landmark detective to in each historic hotel experiences. 6-11 p.m. Duo discounts through April identify works by Indianapolis MAR. 2 “People: Nature/Phases (1),” a group show featur- on IN 56 in south- 6th only: 2 friend tickets, $140/pair. After April 6: ing works by Alexa Adamson, Kasey May, Stuart Snoddy, ern Indiana. Combo architect Louis Gibson. Her free $75 friend ticket, $125 patron ticket, $150 private ticket available. illustrated talk reveals how Gibson’s salón ticket (salónes accommodate 10 or 20 guests). Kristen Watrous, and Susan Watrous Discount for mem- work traveled. Indiana Landmarks Ticket buyers get raffle APR. 6 “A Day in the Life // Glass * Sticks,” a group bers on tours and in shops. Reservations Center. See p. 7. tickets to win a cus- photography show focusing on experimental works and recommended, tom poster by Indiana visual journalism. 866-571-8687. Talking Track Landmarks’ graphic MAY 4 “Indiana’s 10 Most Endangered” Twilight Tours Apr. 5, Indianapolis designer and illustrator Costumed charac- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Evan Hale of your home Storyteller’s Tale ters depict famous historian Donald Davidson inter- or favorite landmark. Mar. 4, Indianapolis guests at West Baden views Indy 500 drivers on stage Springs during its PAIGE WASSEL Our “If These Walls Could Tell” series features Bloomington heyday in the ‘teens at Indiana Landmarks Center. storyteller David Matlack presenting the saga of the Delphi and ‘20s. 7 p.m., Davidson always provides an enter- Opera House in Carroll County. The Delphi Preservation May 19, June 16, July taining evening of insights and hu- our Indiana Automotive affinity group. 6 p.m. $10/Indiana MONUMENT 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 8 Society won the Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration in morous digressions. Sponsored by Automotive member, $15/Indiana Landmarks member, $20/ CIRCLE TOUR is free Fridays general public. and Saturdays, 10 a.m., May through LOGS TO LUSTRONS State Preservation Conference October Apr. 17-20, Columbus CITY MARKET TOUR & TALK Attend the conference in Indiana’s Modernist Mecca, where CATACOMBS you’ll have choices in educational session topics, workshops, TOUR offered 1st May 4-5, Indiana Dunes The National Park Service and meals in interesting places, and tours that educate and enter- and 3rd Saturdays, Landmark Look Indiana Landmarks’ third annual Logs to Lustrons tour, May through tain. See pp. 4-5. October, and an May 19, Dupont and Madison features nine interiors and a dozen sites highlighting a cen- additional Saturday, See a restoration-in-progress Greek tury of architecture in the Indiana Dunes, from log homes Fort Harrison Tours Oct. 27. 11 & 11:30 Revival gem near Madison that to Victorian-era houses to Modernist cottages. Hands-on May 10 and 12, Indianapolis a.m., noon, 12:30 Indiana Landmarks rescued and activities for kids, who can earn Junior Ranger badges. 8:30 and 1 p.m., advance The U.S. Army decommissioned Fort Benjamin Harrison in ticket required. sold to Mark Hopkins, as well as a.m.-4 p.m., Central time. Tour-goers park at Porter County 1996. Tour the loop around the parade ground, where officers Sally Wurtz’s restored c.1850 cottage Visitors Center and are shuttled to tour sites, with last bus housing is now private homes, and see other repurposed struc- ATHENAEUM in Madison. 2-4 p.m. Free—with TOUR offered departing at 2 p.m. $25/member, $30/general public. Come tures and land, including a state park. Walking tour on May 10, 2nd Saturdays, May reservation—for Indiana Landmarks on May 4 for talks by experts that will give you a deeper bike tour on the May 12. Ninety-minute walking tour leaves through September, members, $10/general public. experience, 7-9 p.m. at Portage Lakefront Pavilion. $5/ every 15 minutes beginning at 5:30 p.m. ($5/member; $10/ at noon, and member; $10/general public general public); three-hour bike tours depart every 15 minutes require ticket in advance TODD ZEIGER beginning at 9 a.m. ($15/member, $20/general public) See p. 16.

18 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 19 Nonprofit Org. PAID 1201 Central Avenue U.S. Postage Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN 46202 Permit No. 3464

AND FINALLY

Sweet Success

LIFE IN JEFFERSONVILLE JUST GOT A LITTLE Jeffersonville’s sweeter. Schimpff’s Confectionary rehabbed and expanded Schimpff’s Confectionary into a third historic downtown building. Schimpff’s, one of expanded into a the oldest family-owned U.S. candy businesses operating in its third downtown original location, opened at 347 Spring Street in 1891. building, restor- Warren Schimpff, great-grandson of the founder, and his ing the façade and recreating the wife Jill bought the adjacent building to the north for a candy tin ceiling inside. museum and demonstration area a decade ago. Two years ago, We recommend Schimpffs bought the building to the south to gain more space a road trip to see for retail, seating, manufacturing, and storage. the transformation and sample sweet Completed last year, the rehabilitation returned the façade treats. to its historic appearance, recreated the tin ceiling, and restored PHOTOS BY LAURA RENWICK the terrazzo floor. A repurposed vintage soda serves as candy bins, and antique tables with swing-out seats provide expanded deli seating. If Schimpff’s signatures—cinnamon red hots, hard candy fish, and Modjeskas—or the chocolates and lots of other sweets sound tempting, plan a road trip! Learn more at schimpffs.com. indianalandmarks.org