If you travel the State of Indiana, you will find that we have some of the most beautiful official public buildings in the country. Our Courthouses, county seats, and other government buildings in even the smallest poorest counties have amazing carved limestone structures. This is simply because some of the best limestone in the world for facade construction is mined here in southern Indiana.
When you go downtown Indianapolis. Forget all about that. The Indianapolis-Marion County City County building is straight out of a dystopian spy novel. Shaped like a Minecraft cock and balls sticking out of the ground across the street from our city market, this concrete and steel travesty could be the Ministry of Truth from 1984.
Why I am displaying it then? Partially as a warning to future generations as to what could happen to their cities if they aren’t careful. Mostly I am posting it because with the new justice center and all the relocation of local government, the offices are likely to be moved and this building may not be long for this world. So consider it documented.
Here is the low down on the building and its history.
The Indianapolis City-County Building, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as the primary governmental hub for both the City of Indianapolis and Marion County. This iconic building holds significant historical, architectural, and administrative importance.
History and Development:
- Construction and Opening: Construction of the Indianapolis City-County Building began in 1959, and it was completed in 1962. The building officially opened on January 31, 1962. Its creation marked the first time that the city and county offices were consolidated into a single location, streamlining governmental operations and services for residents.
- Unigov Formation: In 1970, the City-County Building became even more central to local governance with the establishment of Unigov, a consolidation of city and county governments under a unified structure. This merger, unique to Indianapolis, was designed to improve efficiency and foster regional cooperation, making the City-County Building the nucleus of this innovative governance model.
Architectural Features:
- Design: The building was designed by the architectural firm Wright, Porteous & Lowe/Bonar. It features a modernist design, characterized by its clean lines and functional style. At 28 stories, it was the first skyscraper in Indianapolis and remained the tallest building in the city until 1970.
- Structure: The building encompasses approximately 731,000 square feet of space, housing numerous city and county offices, courtrooms, and administrative functions. Its construction employed a steel frame with a glass and aluminum curtain wall, reflecting the mid-20th century architectural trends.
Function and Use:
- Government Offices: The City-County Building accommodates the offices of the Mayor of Indianapolis, the Marion County Courts, the Indianapolis City-County Council, and various other city and county departments. It serves as the central location for governmental meetings, public records, and civic administration.
- Public Access: The building is accessible to the public, offering services such as marriage licenses, building permits, property tax payments, and court services. Its central location makes it a key destination for residents needing to interact with city and county government.
Notable Events:
- Civic Protests and Demonstrations: Over the decades, the City-County Building has been a focal point for numerous civic protests, demonstrations, and public gatherings, reflecting its role as the epicenter of local government.
- Renovations and Upgrades: The building has undergone various renovations and upgrades to modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and enhance security. These efforts ensure that it continues to meet the needs of a growing and evolving urban population.
Cultural and Community Impact:
- Symbol of Unity: The consolidation of city and county functions within the City-County Building symbolizes the unity and cooperation between different levels of government, aiming to provide more effective services to the public.
- Historic Landmark: As a significant architectural and historical landmark, the building represents a critical period in Indianapolis’s development, marking its transformation into a more centralized and efficiently governed metropolis.
The Indianapolis City-County Building remains a vital part of the city’s landscape, embodying the growth, challenges, and achievements of Indianapolis and Marion County over the past six decades.
