This thesis has explored the development of the automobile showroom as a twentieth century building type. The showrooms of Indianapolis, Indiana were used as the primary source of physical evidence. Buildings erected specifically for sales and service of automobiles between 1900 and 1955 chosen. The development was traced in regards to size and layout of the departments. The involvement of manufacturers, dealers and architects was also traced. / Department of Architecture

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

This thesis has presented a comprehensive study on the abandonment of historic school buildings by the Indianapolis Public Schools system from 1970 to 1997. During this period, IPS closed or demolished sixty-four city schools representing nearly fifty-three percent of all Indianapolis public schools in 1970. The principal reason behind the facility closings was a dramatic decline in student enrollment beginning in 1967, but rapidly accelerating after 1970.Several factors contributed to this fall in public school rolls: lower birth rates, the unified government system (Unigov) that merged Indianapolis and Marion County administrative functions, and highway construction and urban renewal projects that cleared large areas of residential neighborhoods. The most significant factor, however, was court mandated integration of Indianapolis public schools in 1970, which led many white families to flee the IPS district and eventually resulted in one way, cross-district busing in 1981.The approaches adopted by Indianapolis Public School officials and the school board between 1970 and 1997, in response to the loss of student population, demonstrates an evolution of policy concerning historic school buildings in the city's inventory. During the early rounds of large scale closings, 1972-1975 and 1980-1981, IPS authorities specifically targeted older schools for closing. This policy changed during the last period of closings, 1995-1997, as some consideration was placed in closing decisions on school buildings' historic and architectural significance.Indianapolis Public School procedures governing the sale of surplus schools also went through a transformation between 1970 and 1997. Until recently, IPS was little concerned about the intended use of former schools by potential buyers. As a result, many historic school buildings were lost due to neglect or outright demolition. In 1997, however, Indianapolis school officials began to take responsibility for ensuring that historic schools leaving IPS's stewardship be preserved. / Department of Architecture

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Where and why there? -- Demand for office space -- Architectural influences -- Building inventory / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Department of Architecture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and determine different energy components existing within historic buildings that will contribute to the development of guidelines for applying modern technology systems within these strucutres and to show the financial, social and physical benefits, which may result without altering the architectural and cultural significance of the building.Union Station, Indianapolis, is an example of historical and architectural ingenuity. If proper and selected energy systems are applied, Union Station will be a strong active force for revitalizing the surrounding area, which has deteriorated and fallen into disuse in recent times. Similar examples of significant historic buildings are scattered all across the country, and with the new development taking place, these historic structures, which are the physical and visual links between us and our past, are being thregtened for the sake of the "glass-box". This study shows the many advantages in preserving these historic links whether economically, architecturally or socially, by bringing the best technology of both worlds and molding them into one system, in which both technologies work together and compliment each other rather than be an isolated system. / Department of Architecture