Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

The purpose of this master's thesis was to prepare anhistoric structures report on Oldfields, the former estate of Mr. Hugh McKennan Landon,and Mr. Josiah Kirby Lilly, Jr. It included some of the surrounding areas known as the Town of Woodstock and an area of land in the flood plains below the estate. Construction of the estate began in 1908 and was completed three years later. Of particular note was the historic landscape which was designed between 1920 and 1926 by Percival Gallagher of Olmsted Brothers, a firm in Brookline, Massachusetts. The estate has undergone limited change and has never been fully documented. Both the landscape and the home are eligible for inclusion on the National Register for their historic and architectural significance. To qualify for the Register, the site or building must be designed by a master, be an example of a unique method of construction, be associated with historically significant people, or be an excellent example of a type of design. Although only one of the above qualifications is necessary for National Register nomination, this estate met all four qualifications. Clearly, scholarly historical documentation of the site and building was in order. The timely need for such work was great, since few of the original family members were still alive, and rumors pertaining to the home and family were were being taken as fact. / Department of Architecture

This paper will discuss the development and architecture of an Indianapolis northside residential neighborhood. While the area was settled in the mid twentieth century. Consequently, the neighborhood has a broad spectrum of architectural styles ranging from pioneer vernacular Greek Revival to Tudor Revival.In spite of the fact that the area was the leading suburb of Indianapolis in the early twentieth century, little research has been done on the history and historic architecture of Meridian-Kessler. Examples of significant structures and architectural types will be presented in the context of the area. Elements or factors which unify the neighborhood will be discussed.Finally, the issues of historic preservation in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood will be examined. If the area is in fact historic, as the author believes then preservation measures are in order. The location and nature of the neighborhood pose a unique problem. Since the area is essentially a transitional urban/suburban district, methods of urban historic district preservation must be Modified for this special case. As historians and preservationists become reviewed. Historic increasingly aware of our early twentieth century heritage, a new terminology and approach must be acknowledged. This variation of a preservation or conservation district is termed by the author as "Suburban Preservation".Standard methods will be used to research and compose this thesis. For documentation of historic architecture, a series of Indianapolis Star articles titled "How Others Have Built" is an important source which must be a Thirty-eighth street Landmarks Foundation of Indiana is currently surveying the area; survey forms will provide much data on house types, styles and dates. Architectural archives, old records of firms active in the district and other published sources will provide further information. Planning data in the form of subarea plans andcooridor study have already been obtained for review. Plans for preservation districts in Indianapolis and other midwest cities will also be reviewed for possible application to Meridian-Kessler.Combined with field observations, the research should produce a document which places the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood in its proper historic context and aids in future planning for the area. / Department of Architecture

During the nineteenth century, technological advances in grain elevator construction revolutionized bulk grain storage and handling. The mechanical elevation of grain in storage facilities was one such advancement. More importantly was the evolution in construction material from wood to reinforced concrete. Both allowed for the construction of massive grain storage facilities. Economic forces associated with the transition of agricultural production in the United States from domestic subsistence to international supplier encouraged the construction of large terminal facilities. This was particularly true in the years immediately preceding the United States' involvement in World War I. These technological advances and economic forces contributed to the development of Indianapolis as a major terminal grain center in the nation during the first half of the twentieth century. This thesis examines the history of this development, as well as, that of the reinforced concrete grain elevator in Indianapolis with a focus on three specific grain elevator facilities. / Department of Architecture

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / This study explores the shared history of West Indianapolis and the White River and reveals an interdependent, yet conflicted, relationship between the people and the river. This relationship was part of a broader set of attitudes that natural resources were unlimited and that humans must master the landscape. From the founding of Indianapolis in 1821 until the flood of 1913, a series of uncoordinated human actions related to settlement and growth of the city took place. Despite noble intentions of progress and improvement, the cumulative effect of these actions resulted in unintended and undesired consequences in the form of a flood disaster in 1913, an unhealthy environment in West Indianapolis, and a negative identity for that community. One might argue that these results occurred because nineteenth century settlers in the Indianapolis area lacked an understanding of the nature of rivers or that scientists had not yet proven the germ theory. As shown in this study, however, the historical sources support an argument that the relationship between the people and the river dictated the fate of the river and the community of West Indianapolis, which suffered significant damage when White River overflowed its banks in the “Great Flood” of 1913.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In May 1906, Wonderland Amusement Park opened its gates on East Washington Street in Indianapolis to reveal its 125-foot tall “Electric Tower,” a tree-top “Scenic Railway,” and dozens of other thrilling and fantastical attractions. Indianapolis now had a Coney Island of its own. Even more amazing, by the end of the month, two more Coney-Island-style amusement parks had opened in the city. This thesis examines three Indianapolis parks: Wonderland Amusement Park, White City Amusement Park and Riverside Amusement Park and their impacts on the city of Indianapolis in the first years of the twentieth century.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

This project researches the history of a demolished building and its material that was later salvaged to formulate suggestions for reuse and interpretation within a new structure. The specific case examined was Indianapolis's Oscar C. McCulloch School No. Five demolished in 1986. The architectural glazed terra cotta was rescued from the wreckage and is the focus of this study.This creative project traces the historical and architectural significance of School No. Five, including a discussion on the general history of terra cotta, its use and manufacturing and construction techniques, and how it specifically applies to School No. Five.Next the salvaged terra cotta from School No. Five were assessed in an eight step process. The results of the assessment show the type and extent of deterioration observed on each piece, including a discussion on the various causes of deterioration, general repair, conservation techniques, and finally specific recommendations for the salvaged terra cotta. The project concludes with several design options and interpretations of the reconstructed facade of School No. Five. / Department of Architecture