At the turn of the 19th century, cities were vibrant with strong economies, increasing populations, large building movements and most importantly, technological innovations. Availability of frequent and efficient transportation was key to the sustenance and growth of cities. This thesis is an exploration of the impact the street and interurban railway systems made on the city of Indianapolis and its suburbs during their heyday of service between 1864 and 1930.To verify the value of railway locations in relation to the direction of Indianapolis suburb growth, an effort to conduct quantifiable research was applied. First, population growth in Marion County, Indiana and its surrounding eight counties was studied. Evidence of significant growth in areas served by streetcar and interurban systems in comparison to areas that were served only by steam railroad or no service were highlighted. Second, historical land use change research was conducted to determine how land along Indianapolis corridors served by the streetcar railway system was affected by the introduction of such service. Finally, a review of popular response to the systems was undertaken to better understand the effects of the railways on the population. / Department of Architecture

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

This thesis analyzes best practices of both brownfield redevelopment and transit-oriented development and identifies both conflicts and opportunities for synthesis. Transit can rekindle demand for otherwise undesirable brownfields along rail corridors. While brownfields, when redeveloped with transit in mind, can increase transit ridership and, therefore, increase the viability of transit. Transit-oriented development on brownfields increases the complexity of the development, but the best practices of each have many commonalities. The most effective tools reduce developer time, cost, or uncertainty, and preferably all three. The City of Indianapolis has the opportunity to create transit-oriented development on brownfields along the proposed Northeast commuter rail corridor on existing rail right-of-way. An investment in transit would provide an opportunity to both remove the environmental contamination along the rail line and to make development in many inner-city neighborhoods more desirable. / Brownfield redevelopment : history, barriers and best practices -- Transit-oriented development : history, barriers and best practices -- Synthesis of best practices in transit-oriented development and brownfield development -- Opportunities for transit-oriented development on brownfields in Indianapolis. / Department of Urban Planning

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Department of Geography

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Urban forestry is a very important element of urban structures that can improve the environment and life quality within the urban areas. Having an accurate classification of urban forests and grass areas would help improve focused urban tree planting and urban heat wave mitigation efforts. This research project will compare the use of high – resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data when used to classify canopy and grass areas. The high – resolution image, with 1 – meter resolution, was captured by The National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) on 6/6/2012. Its coordinate system is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). The LiDAR data, with 1.0 – meter average post spacing, was captured by Indiana Statewide Imagery and LiDAR Program from 03/13/2011 to 04/30/2012.The study area is called the Near East Side Community Organization (NESCO) neighborhood. It is located on the east side of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Its boundaries are: 65 interstate, East Massachusetts Avenue, East 21st Street, North Emerson Avenue, and the rail road tracks on the south of the East Washington Street. This research will also perform the accuracy assessment based on the results of classifications using high – resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data in order to determine and explain which method is more accurate to classify urban canopy and grass areas.

Very little research has addressed the crisis communication strategies used in the aftermath of a workplace homicide. This study examined Indianapolis banks' crisis communication plans for workplace homicide by using St. John's (1997) Three-stage recommendations for crisis communication as a model and basis of comparison.The sample consisted of nine branch banks selected from the 1999 Ameritech Yellow Pages phone book. Six of the nine bank respondents completed a 26-question survey while the remaining three banks who answered "yes" to question #21 completed a 29-question survey. Individual and group agreement percentages between St. John and Indianapolis banks were calculated throughout the three stages.The results of this study revealed an overall group agreement of 59 percent. Internal versus external communication focus of Indianapolis banks impacted the overall group agreement. / Department of Journalism

This thesis examines the Indianapolis Home Show and its significance to the city of Indianapolis in the twentieth century. Since 1922, the annual show has influenced the development of residential architecture in Indiana by introducing the newest, most innovative products related to the home in its many exhibitor booths. Many of the exhibited products have since become parts of our every day lives. Each year, the show has also presented the people of Indianapolis with a fully landscaped "centerpiece" home-a home that embodies good design, excellent craftsmanship, quality materials, the latest styles, and innovative features. The legacy of the eighty-two (+) centerpiece homes reaches beyond Indianapolis to communities across the state including Terre Haute, Muncie, Hope and Logansport-places where the centerpieces have been rebuilt or copied. The centerpiece homes stand as testaments to the longevity and endurance of the Indianapolis Home Show from its beginning in 1922 through the lean years of the depression, its reemergence after World War II, and its duration to the turn of a new century. The Indianapolis Home Show has had an exceptional reputation, receiving national praise from many admirers. It has been recognized by numerous publications such as American Builder, Architectural Forum, Architectural Record, Arts and Architecture, and Better Homes and Gardens. In 2002, The Indianapolis Home Show celebrated its eightieth anniversary. Hoosiers continue to look forward to what they will see at the home show, and travel from all parts of the state to experience its innovative exhibits and centerpiece home. / Department of Architecture

The structure now owned by Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN was built in 1903 at 16th and Delaware Streets by a very prominent congregation, the First Presbyterian Church. Since its construction, the building has been subject to a rehabilitation that destroyed many historic features of the building, followed by abandonment that led to its overall deterioration. For the past four years the building has been occupied once again following a partial rehabilitation.This study found that the building was historically intact on the exterior, but problems such as the deterioration of the limestone were threatening the overall integrity of the structure. The interior, which had been subject to many alterations as part of a 1958 renovation, was fully functional and in good condition but was missing many historic features.This study makes recommendations for repairs on the exterior and an interior rehabilitation that restores some missing historic features, and promotes the retention and stewardship of the existing historic features within the building. / 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

There is no abstract available for this dissertation.