The villagio looks like beach condos out of Florida. That's where Page builds most of their projects anyway. I'll take the Villagio over Barton Apts. The Riley towers are kind of gross too, and looking west from 65 downtown, there is an ugly ass building with huge lime green panels. I think its a part of the VA government building. We have a lot more pukeworthy architecture in Indy and everyone picks on this particular project. It fits in well with Lilly's crappy campus, but I guess I'm seeing the glass half full.

The villagio looks like beach condos out of Florida. That's where Page builds most of their projects anyway. I'll take the Villagio over Barton Apts. The Riley towers are kind of gross too, and looking west from 65 downtown, there is an ugly ass building with huge lime green panels. I think its a part of the VA government building. We have a lot more pukeworthy architecture in Indy and everyone picks on this particular project. It fits in well with Lilly's crappy campus, but I guess I'm seeing the glass half full.

Half full of your own puke!

Half full of your own puke!

LOL! :nuts:

The Villagio may be one of the absolute WORST proejcts to hit this City since the Anthem Campus development...fitting that they are opposite each other.

The Villagio may be one of the absolute WORST proejcts to hit this City since the Anthem Campus development...fitting that they are opposite each other.

Word.

Don't forget about the other crap-tastic developments nearby, The Waverly, and the other company's headquarters whose name escapes me at the moment (the one with the two-level parking deck off of College Ave.)

Word.

Don't forget about the other crap-tastic developments nearby, The Waverly, and the other company's headquarters whose name escapes me at the moment (the one with the two-level parking deck off of College Ave.)

The building you are talking about is the State Farm building on East St.

In other news, they are installing more of the new glass curtain wall. Strike over.

Just as information for those who might not know, there are a few positive things to pass on regarding the State Farm Building and the Anthem/Wellpoint buildings down in the SE quadrant of downtown. The State Farm building was constructed by recycling an old, abandoned, four story tire factory into its headquarters building. The tire factory was set back from the street there, so that is why Farm Bureau sits back from East Street so far. Also - the area across the street from State Farm - currently a green, grassy, landscaped area, along with part of the area where the Wellpoint offices now sit, used to be a junk yard / steel recycling yard. I used to see it all the time when I lived in that area back in the mid 80's.

Although there may be some people who are less than thrilled with how some of those buildings look today - to compare them to what used to be there provides an amazing difference. I don't mind the look of the Wellpoint offices. Yes they are a little suburban looking, but - pretty much the buildings go up to the streets and the parking is behind. The worst thing about that area in my opinion is the huge amount of surface parking to the West. Hopefully one of these years, some new buildings will be built near there on the parking lots and the parking for all will be consolidated into some type of large, hidden-in-the-interior-of-the-block, parking structures. With the huge amount of surface parking for Lilly - located to the north of its campus - along with this parking area west of Wellpoint, you could add about seven blocks of development to downtown!

If anyone knows how to find aerial photos of that area from the early eighties or before, it might help show the improvement. (Oh yeah, there used to be a white castle right there along East Street too - right between the tire factory and the junk yard - I almost forgot.)

I do hope they build the commercial building up near the street in front of the Waverly apartments. That was the plan, as I understood it. A good three story brick building fronting the street would help that project be a more pedestrian friendly, mixed use development. With all of those people working nearby, you would think a restaurant and a few other office worker-friendly businesses would do ok. More mixed use would be great in that area. Build some more residential with street front commercial and some office buildings mixed in. That's what that area needs in my opinion.

(While I'm writing about the not-so-distant history of that area, one other bit of information to share is that the SW corner of East and South Streets used to be where there was a large, full time farmers market. The Lilly day care center sits on that site today. It was a good place to get cheap fruits and vegetables. I hated to see that go.)

Just as information for those who might not know, there are a few positive things to pass on regarding the State Farm Building and the Anthem/Wellpoint buildings down in the SE quadrant of downtown. The State Farm building was constructed by recycling an old, abandoned, four story tire factory into its headquarters building. The tire factory was set back from the street there, so that is why Farm Bureau sits back from East Street so far. Also - the area across the street from State Farm - currently a green, grassy, landscaped area, along with part of the area where the Wellpoint offices now sit, used to be a junk yard / steel recycling yard. I used to see it all the time when I lived in that area back in the mid 80's.

Although there may be some people who are less than thrilled with how some of those buildings look today - to compare them to what used to be there provides an amazing difference. I don't mind the look of the Wellpoint offices. Yes they are a little suburban looking, but - pretty much the buildings go up to the streets and the parking is behind. The worst thing about that area in my opinion is the huge amount of surface parking to the West. Hopefully one of these years, some new buildings will be built near there on the parking lots and the parking for all will be consolidated into some type of large, hidden-in-the-interior-of-the-block, parking structures. With the huge amount of surface parking for Lilly - located to the north of its campus - along with this parking area west of Wellpoint, you could add about seven blocks of development to downtown!

If anyone knows how to find aerial photos of that area from the early eighties or before, it might help show the improvement. (Oh yeah, there used to be a white castle right there along East Street too - right between the tire factory and the junk yard - I almost forgot.)

I do hope they build the commercial building up near the street in front of the Waverly apartments. That was the plan, as I understood it. A good three story brick building fronting the street would help that project be a more pedestrian friendly, mixed use development. With all of those people working nearby, you would think a restaurant and a few other office worker-friendly businesses would do ok. More mixed use would be great in that area. Build some more residential with street front commercial and some office buildings mixed in. That's what that area needs in my opinion.

(While I'm writing about the not-so-distant history of that area, one other bit of information to share is that the SW corner of East and South Streets used to be where there was a large, full time farmers market. The Lilly day care center sits on that site today. It was a good place to get cheap fruits and vegetables. I hated to see that go.)

Good post. There are aerials of the site in one of the Italian restaurants over there. My Pop was explaining the same thing to me when we ate there a few months ago. It is an improvement of sorts, I guess ugly and clean is better than dirty and industrial.

I'm concerned about the Waverly's commercial building. A sign out front says something to the effect of "retail space for lease, includes drive-through." I'm not expecting much. It's too bad really, they could've taken a cue from the small brick building with the condos next to the heliport and tracks.

Some of these developers just don't get it. (Or, let me rephrase that, they just want to get money.) People moving to the city don't just want to live downtown, they want to live in urban developments. Just throwing up an apartment complex near downtown isn't going to cut it.

I thought I remembered hearing that there was going to be a Starbucks put into the retail space along East St. in front of the Waverly.

There is some good Italian food over in that area with both Iaria's and the Milano Inn right down the street from each other.

I will be very angry if they put a parking lot in front of starbucks in the Waverly development. Though the lot isn't the greatest site anyway (next to railroad and helipad anyone?), it would be rediculous to see a clone of some development up in Fishers.

I am done as far as I can tell you what's going on with this project. After 13 years Regions Bank let me go today. 32 employees across the midwest were let go. The banks are hurting and Regions is no exception. Hell they even took the plants out of all the branches to save money.

moby, very sorry to hear that. Best of luck in finding something new soon.

Damn. Hope you land on your feet, mobyhead.

Thanks guys. At work you spend an enormous amount of time with people other than your loved ones. I have dedicated so much to that place/building. I am really really surprised they are sponsoring the fireworks this year off the roof. My God, they take away the live plants from the branches then eliminate the bottleled water service. Cutting costs??? Something is going on. We may soon call the Regions Bank Tower the Harris Bank Tower. :-)

I am done as far as I can tell you what's going on with this project. After 13 years Regions Bank let me go today. 32 employees across the midwest were let go. The banks are hurting and Regions is no exception. Hell they even took the plants out of all the branches to save money.

I feel your pain mobyhead. In this economy everyone that is not senior management is expendable.

I was supposed to start work at Ford Motor Company a couple of weeks ago but my start date was postponed until October at the earliest.

Moby, If if work gets real bad and you have to relocate up here, let me know, I can help.

Moby, If if work gets real bad and you have to relocate up here, let me know, I can help.

Doing what and where? Actually I may have a few prospects at Bose McKinney. My wife has a friend who works there. They are moving into the Chase Tower September 1st. I would be right across the street from Indiana Square.

My wife got to go up to the roof this afternoon. The first photo is looking NNE. Behind the sandbags and fireworks tubes you can see the elevated portion of the re-cladding. (John Kinman in the pic. He's the media spokesman for the bank concerning Freedom Blast) The second pic is more of the construction stuff.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/onemobyhead/roof3.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/onemobyhead/roof2-1.jpg

Yet another shot taken while out on the forum meetup (6/14):

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/corrnd/2008-06SkyscraperCityMeetup010.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/indy001.jpg

Taken on Friday July 18, 2008; 70 W

My wife got to go up to the roof this afternoon. The first photo is looking NNE. Behind the sandbags and fireworks tubes you can see the elevated portion of the re-cladding. (John Kinman in the pic. He's the media spokesman for the bank concerning Freedom Blast) The second pic is more of the construction stuff.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/onemobyhead/roof3.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/onemobyhead/roof2-1.jpg

Cool, thanks for posting these.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/indy001.jpg

Taken on Friday July 18, 2008; 70 W

I have always liked this angle.

OIS is going to look so much better once completed. It will really update our anemic skyline.

Taken 7/23:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/corrnd/2008-07IndyDev011.jpg

I love the progress this building and city are making. Even during the bad economic times... In 5 years, this town will have quite a legit skyline.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/indianapolis817010.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/indianapolis817011.jpg

It's coming along, also got a nice view of the back of 707 East North.

Is it really going as slow as it looks? Between July 23rd and Yesterday(August 17th) there has only been what, 4 panels installed? Or is there work going on on the South Facade as well? And has nobody been able to grab a street-level shot? Not being needy, but just wanting to know. We hope to get to Indy here soon. We might even wait for the new Airport to open, but will probably be their sooner than that. I'm just excited to see all the newness in Indy!

I mostly see the work being done on the north facade but, yes, it really is going as slow at it appears. They finished up the middle third of the facade a couple days after the shot I put up on 7/23 and as of late last week, they still hadn't started working on the final third.

Is it really going as slow as it looks? Between July 23rd and Yesterday(August 17th) there has only been what, 4 panels installed? Or is there work going on on the South Facade as well?

They've been spending the majority of their time installing the supports for the glass, and the fins at the top. It doesn't seem like they have too many many on the job.

And has nobody been able to grab a street-level shot?

I don't understand what you mean by this. CorrND posted a "street-level shot" on July 2nd and 23rd. Tell me what you'd like to see and I'll grab it for you. :)

There is work going on on the North facade as well. I believe they have almost reached the top of the middle section. Once they get to the top they seemt o slow down quite a bit, I am assuming that has to do with the installation of the LCD lighting.

There is work going on on the North facade as well. I believe they have almost reached the top of the middle section. Once they get to the top they seemt o slow down quite a bit, I am assuming that has to do with the installation of the LCD lighting.

Just an FYI. It's LED, not LCD. :)

LCD= Liquid Crystal Display
LED= Light Emitting Diode

A new tower could have been built and opened in the time it is taking to "re-skin" this puppy

Just an FYI. It's LED, not LCD. :)

LCD= Liquid Crystal Display
LED= Light Emitting Diode

Yep, I was too quick with the keyboard.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/indianapolis817004.jpg

I meant a NEW street-level shot, of both facades. Any accommodations would be VERY appreciated. It's nice to see the way it will affect the drabness of the skyline.

Such a dramatic change. Very impressive, it's hard to believe what some reclads could do to enhance parts of the skyline. It stands out so much more.

Such a dramatic change. Very impressive, it's hard to believe what some reclads could do to enhance parts of the skyline. It stands out so much more.

Too bad they are not doing the lower level floors. The skyline will be somewhat different with the addition of the JW Marriott, and possibly the hotel proposed by the Luke. This reclad however is much better than the old look.:)

Too bad they are not doing the lower level floors. The skyline will be somewhat different with the addition of the JW Marriott, and possibly the hotel proposed by the Luke. This reclad however is much better than the old look.:)

Yes it is, it really does make a difference, it pops out with that new glass and is distinguished more now. I really like this idea and how Indy is going along with it.

Has anyone else noticed how prominent the tower is in the view from Lucas Oil Stadium? I don't really think it stood out as much when it was black.

It's fighting for attention now, whereas before it played more of a skyline-filler role. The new glass is going to look great on sunny days from inside the stadium.

This shot is far away, but does a good job of illustrating the tower's placement in the skyline.

http://www2.indystar.com/autofocus/photos/standard/2008/08/135867.jpg

I love that shot.

Too bad they are not doing the lower level floors. The skyline will be somewhat different with the addition of the JW Marriott, and possibly the hotel proposed by the Luke. This reclad however is much better than the old look.:)

What hotel is proposed by the Luke? Can you link me?

What hotel is proposed by the Luke? Can you link me?
Merrill Street Tower (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=hiltonsuitesatstreetfariscampus-indianapolis-in-usa)

Merrill Street Tower (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=hiltonsuitesatstreetfariscampus-indianapolis-in-usa)

Thanks. I see the status is listed as "approved". Any idea when this will break ground?

Thanks. I see the status is listed as "approved". Any idea when this will break ground?

Not sure maybe someone has some info on this one. I hope it gets some sort of redesign. I would not care if it were 50' shorter, just anything. :ohno:

I meant a NEW street-level shot, of both facades. Any accommodations would be VERY appreciated.

Sorry it took so long! :-)

South facade, September 2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2822422428_bf42b34229_b.jpg

I noticed a real difference in the look of the skyline from Harding St./37 yesterday. I really think this will help Indy (almost) look like a whole new city.

Seeing this design come together, it looks so much better than the renderings, and the rederings looked good. Now only if they would have changed the base. I guess it's better than nothing. Now only if AUL could get a reclad and Indy would really look like a new city.

Do you think the top two or three floors will be set back slightly? It seems to look like that from the picture. Once they take off the previously added upper trim structure (that white fence like thing), it could make the top look slightly tapered as it gets up to the top few floors. I think that would be good. I like it more and more - the closer they get to finishing it. I definitely agree the bottom 5 floors will look strange with that modern top above the old 70's bottom though.

Sorry it took so long! :-)

North facade, September 2:
able -- am I crazy or is that actually the south facade?

Is there to be a difference from the side panels vs the middle?

able -- am I crazy or is that actually the south facade?

No you are not crazy. Living in Fountain Square has changed my sense of direction.

It is indeed the South facade. Fixed.

Good call!

Is there to be a difference from the side panels vs the middle?

One column of windows on each side of the building is black. On the south side they have the black column already done. They are just starting on the black column on the north side.

One column of windows on each side of the building is black. On the south side they have the black column already done. They are just starting on the black column on the north side.

But is the west side all black?

But is the west side all black?


I don't believe so. If i remember correctly the west and east sides will have a thin column of black as well and the rest will be the blue glass.

A couple of pics I snapped:

South Facade (why is there black on the sides on the south, but not on the North?):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/cwilson758/Indy%20Pics/IndianaSquare.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/cwilson758/Indy%20Pics/IndianaSq.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/cwilson758/Indy%20Pics/3Mass.jpg

[QUOTE=cwilson758;25126974]A couple of pics I snapped:

South Facade (why is there black on the sides on the south, but not on the North?):
QUOTE]

There is black on the north facade as well. They have just recently started installing it and are only 7 floors up so far. Here are a few pics I took out of our dirty office window just a few minutes ago.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/P1010001-8.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/P1010002-7.jpg

I'm back! After 10 weeks of trying to find a job I start Sept 22nd. I will again be in Indiana Square. Instead of the first floor I'll be on 12 with a nice NE window view of 3 Mass.

I'm back! After 10 weeks of trying to find a job I start Sept 22nd. I will again be in Indiana Square. Instead of the first floor I'll be on 12 with a nice NE window view of 3 Mass.

Good to hear it, mobyhead!

I'm back! After 10 weeks of trying to find a job I start Sept 22nd. I will again be in Indiana Square. Instead of the first floor I'll be on 12 with a nice NE window view of 3 Mass.

Wonderful about finding a job! Now get that camera ready.:)

I'm back! After 10 weeks of trying to find a job I start Sept 22nd. I will again be in Indiana Square. Instead of the first floor I'll be on 12 with a nice NE window view of 3 Mass.

Excellent news. Congrats. I'm in the Chase Tower so ping me if you want to have lunch some day.

Excellent news. Congrats. I'm in the Chase Tower so ping me if you want to have lunch some day.

I'll take you up on that. Odd thing for me will be seeing some of the people that help make the decision to let me go from the bank. It will make for an awkward elevator ride. :-)

My desk on the 12th floor faces East above the garage. Evey 5 minutes or so the floor vibrates from them drilling, etc, They are on 11. When they are at my floor I will close the blinds. I don't want to look at him and I don't want him looking at me. :-)

I've taken a few pics of the progress so far:

It's visual impact in Mass ave is really shaping up; a small part of the 3 Mass contruction can also be seen.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2962846228_f0c4fdc668.jpg?v=1224626665

This was taken from my office, it shows the progress on the South and East ends. The mounting of support brackets on the the East side of the building can be seen being installed.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2962031365_cd3e5632a6.jpg?v=1224627381

This doesn't really demonstrate the progress of the building, but I think it's kind of cool.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2962898246_cb6541669f.jpg?v=0

Im in oklahoma city the next couple of weeks, anyway I can get a visual update from someone? :)

Im in oklahoma city the next couple of weeks, anyway I can get a visual update from someone? :)

Took this one the other day; the south side of the building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/3083822042_e81fb51d09.jpg?v=0

I dio not like the different "strip" on each side. Makes it look unfinished.

Wow that looks beautiful!!! Can not wait for this tower to finish up!! Thank you very much for the pictures!!!

How much darker is the inside of that building now that it has a double set of tinted windows?

They are taking the interior window layer out after putting up the "outer" layer of windows - so there are not two layers of tinted windows to look through.

I do think for a boring "box," the redesign is about as good as you can get

I do think for a boring "box," the redesign is about as good as you can get

Mmm, wish that the CCB would get a makeover. Could not help myself with that thought!:)

being a taxpayer building, CCB ain't never gonna get a makeover unless it is sold

The CCB interiors are disgusting as well. That building needs to be long term imploded and the site redeveloped.

What I'd like to see for the MSA site is, in part, abou5 500-600,000 square feet of office space, with the city anchoring the development by leasing about 250K to start shifting work out of the CCB.

Next up, when there is a comprehensive transit system you can do what Chicago did and move your county jail and main criminal courts complex out of downtown. I'd relocate it to a reclaimed brownfield on the near west side not too far off a stop on the new airport light rail line.

Convert the old city hall into a civil courts building (may not be big enough, so another possibility is a true "thin headquarters" for the mayor's staff and such). Shift other employees further out into field offices, and you can then whack the building and redevelop the property, as well as the jail properties.

I'd like to see a proper "city hall" type structure, which possible the old city hall could function as. Otherwise, I'd rather see city functions integrated into proper mixed use urban developments rather than concentrated a huge, monolithic, "government complex"

^^Great idea. Now let's get it started.

being a taxpayer building, CCB ain't never gonna get a makeover unless it is sold

Just a dream, could not help that thought from slipping out!

I dio not like the different "strip" on each side. Makes it look unfinished.

Are both of the darker glass "strips" on each of the north and south facades towards the west end of the building? I'm having a hard time telling from the previously posted pictures over the past few pages, but it looks like they might be. Makes me wonder if the entire west side of the building will be the dark glass, with portions of it "sneaking" around onto the main north/south faces. If that's the case, that might look pretty good. At least it would be an interesting attempt by the architects to try and spice up a glass box, so I'd give them credit for that.

Though if it does end up just being two dark, random strips...that's just weird. And I agree, it would look unfinished.

Are both of the darker glass "strips" on each of the north and south facades towards the west end of the building? I'm having a hard time telling from the previously posted pictures over the past few pages, but it looks like they might be. Makes me wonder if the entire west side of the building will be the dark glass, with portions of it "sneaking" around onto the main north/south faces. If that's the case, that might look pretty good. At least it would be an interesting attempt by the architects to try and spice up a glass box, so I'd give them credit for that.

Though if it does end up just being two dark, random strips...that's just weird. And I agree, it would look unfinished.

It does have a black stripe on the NW side of the building as well. They don't have any of the new facade installed on the west side of the building at present, but according to this old rendering I have, it will be blue.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3098006431_6a219d6523.jpg?v=0

it looks like the odd strip will extend to and be the dominate feature on the sides too, so maybe that will help

It does have a black stripe on the NW side of the building as well. They don't have any of the new facade installed on the west side of the building at present, but according to this old rendering I have, it will be blue.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3098006431_6a219d6523.jpg?v=0

Those colors are oldschool. Waaaay off homeboy. :)

http://www.gensler.com/#projects/158

I dig your blog, by the way. I need to make time to update mine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/3101478240_a4bc330ef6.jpg?v=0

so I thought the big thing at the top of the building was an led board? but on the property lines blog it says they're blue fins. bummer if they don't do something cool with it, the skyline could really use some color

^^

seriously? I thought someone posted that a portion of it was lit a while back??? If not, major missed opportunity.

I'm disappointed with Property Line's description of the vertical partitions as "blue fins." It sounds like something my mom would say. He could have at least taken the time to research the correct architectural term. (And I'm not saying "vertical partition" is the correct term either. :) )

Yes someone here did see them testing the LEDs a couple of months ago.

I'm disappointed with Property Line's description of the vertical partitions as "blue fins." It sounds like something my mom would say. He could have at least taken the time to research the correct architectural term. (And I'm not saying "vertical partition" is the correct term either. :) )

Yes someone here did see them testing the LEDs a couple of months ago.


Yep. LED's!!!

McKnight Properties manages the building. See what is on top? "One Indiana Square" in white letters? I found this rendition on their website.

http://www.mcknightdevelopment.com/port_ind_1indsq.html

http://www.mcknightdevelopment.com/images/building_images/indianapolis/one_indiana_sq/indsq_ext.jpg

I like that rendering

Those colors are oldschool. Waaaay off homeboy. :)

http://www.gensler.com/#projects/158

I dig your blog, by the way. I need to make time to update mine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/3101478240_a4bc330ef6.jpg?v=0

No kidding!!! That's a much more impressive rendering.:lol:

I like your blog as well and look forward to it.

McKnight Properties manages the building. See what is on top? "One Indiana Square" in white letters? I found this rendition on their website.

http://www.mcknightdevelopment.com/port_ind_1indsq.html

http://www.mcknightdevelopment.com/images/building_images/indianapolis/one_indiana_sq/indsq_ext.jpg

From the looks of this rendering, they are going to change the base as well. The white columns are still there, but it looks like new skin.

^^ I wonder what that blue is on the base pedistal as well. Are they also gonna have a street level LED sign? That's a bit scarey to me. You think that's just a mistake on the rendering? It doesn't show up on the two pics previous.

The base needs something! I have complained about this for awhile. Something, just so there is not such a clash, and some newness(not sure if that is a word) on the base of this building. Can a minimal amount of money help the base? I am sure it can.

Coming from south 65, downtown looks completely different. I can't believe how much one building can change a city. This definitely makes Indy look even more "shiney and new" which is either a good thing or a bad thing (depending on how you look at it).:)

I agree. Was downtown over the weekend and couldn't believe how much different it is FINALLY starting to look.

Any new pictures? When is the project supposed to be finished?

If this office tower is recladded, then why can't its podium get a reclad?

Jim, the re-cladding is a result of storm damage. The pedestal was excluded, likely for cost reasons. Potentially it could be redone later if need be.

I was looking at the top of the One Indiana Square tower today. It looked like they were putting a new glass "covering" over the top of the blue "blades" or whatever those dark blue vertical striped things are on the top. Or maybe removing some of the blades? Kind of hard to tell exactly what they are doing. It just seemed like they were changing things somehow and that there was less of the vertical blue blades showing on the eastern side of the building. Kind of strange. I could be completely wrong about this - but that's what it looked like to me. Anyone else see this or have any idea of what they are doing?

Did anyone else notice them testing the LED board on top of One Indiana last night? Not sure if this has been going on a while and I just now noticed, or if it's something new. It was changing solors from blue to a deep purple. A portion of it was green also. It's really gonna look nice when it's all completed.

Here are a few pics from today.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/Picture001.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/Picture002.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/Picture014.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/Picture020.jpg

This has to be one of the slowest projects I've ever seen. At they rate they are going it would have been quicker to just build a new tower.

With the new cladding, is the sway going to be addressed with anything? I thought that something was going to go at the top, like counterweight balloon type devices?

yeah, this is PAINFULLY slow. But, the impact is being felt. I had to take my mother to airport yesterday and with all of the sun, the reflection off of this thing was great. Plus, this with the JW Marriott will be "new" towers on the skyline that will really help to update the look. I am glad that we will have a tall without limestone.

http://uliveandyouburn.wordpress.com/2008/12/25/31-floors-the-hard-way/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3135258608_85a019a40a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3135253712_0dae32bcfa_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3134421845_156627890d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3135252626_43cb3faef4_b.jpg

Those are absolutely insane photos. I am speechless...

Is that someone seriously climbing the scaffolding?!:uh:

Amazing shots of the City.

Its So Captivating to see any city from above,

Seeing the grid lit up and laid out across the land really allows one to grasp the size of the city !

These are by far some of the cooler shots i have seen of Indy, in a long time!

Is that someone seriously climbing the scaffolding?!:uh:

Seriously, took about an hour.

Seriously, took about an hour.

You Rule.

:applause:

Props for the Naptown smokestacks as well.

You guys need to check out his blog. He hit a ton of other stuff downtown.

Oh, my God - that's awesome, dude!

You Rule.

:applause:

Props for the Naptown smokestacks as well.

You guys need to check out his blog. He hit a ton of other stuff downtown.


Yeah, I'm loving it. I just saw some photos he posted in oneo of the Cincy threads too. Amazing stuff. Dangerous and Illegal but Amazing.

Deffinetly check out his site.

Excuse me, but that is FUCKING AWESOME.

Where is Mobyhead when the tower needs him?

A not quite so spectacular image of the west side:

http://www.filehurricane.com/photos/1272009121453AM_IMG_1301.jpg

Beautiful. The near East side is such a gorgeous part of our city.
I love the steeples sticking up in Lockerbie and Holy Cross.
The Arsenal clock tower really doesn't get the credit it deserves. It is a fine 1860's building. The near east side has so much potential.

Man, they have a way to go on that side of the building. Looking at the cool photos, that is one heck of a climb!

Where is Mobyhead when the tower needs him?

I sent the link to our head of security. One of the other day-shift guards says it looks fake. Huh? :nuts:

Did you come in through the garage or the building's lobby? It's a bit reminiscent of a guy who parachuted off the roof of Indiana Square about 10 years ago. The stairwell from the top floor restaurant to the roof was never locked until then.

I sent the link to our head of security. One of the other day-shift guards says it looks fake. Huh? :nuts:

Did you come in through the garage or the building's lobby? It's a bit reminiscent of a guy who parachuted off the roof of Indiana Square about 10 years ago. The stairwell from the top floor restaurant to the roof was never locked until then.

It was one of the hardest infiltrations I've ever done, if that makes you feel any better. The fact that you didn't even know about it till now is a testament to the fact that I caused no harm.

It was one of the hardest infiltrations I've ever done, if that makes you feel any better.

It was totally worth it.

So my question is, how tired were your arms after climbing that high?

I've scaled silos about 1/3 as high and my arms were pretty tired at the top. I think I could make it 31 stories, but my arms would be killing me!

I can't imagine walking up 31 flights of stairs, much less climbing up like that.

It was one of the hardest infiltrations I've ever done, if that makes you feel any better. The fact that you didn't even know about it till now is a testament to the fact that I caused no harm.

I used to work building security here on the day shift about 13 years ago. The guards they use at night are worthless most of the time. They are afraid to make rounds outside and won't patrol the garage. It's pretty pathetic. We do have a garage guard in the evenings but he carries a gun. That makes all the difference with him.

That extra facade wall on the roof you mentioned will be cool when they are done. It's LED lights will add a bit more sparkle to our skyline.

It was one of the hardest infiltrations I've ever done, if that makes you feel any better. The fact that you didn't even know about it till now is a testament to the fact that I caused no harm.

Yes, but it is still illegal. :ohno:

Yes, but it is still illegal. :ohno:

I'll have to agree.

Yes, but it is still illegal. :ohno:

He's aware of that guys. Telling him it's illegal and dangerous :nono:isn't going to stop him from doing it.

Quite the opposite. :skull::nuts:

He's aware of that guys. Telling him it's illegal and dangerous :nono:isn't going to stop him from doing it.

Quite the opposite. :skull::nuts:

This is true. We're giving him more attention than he deserves. I guess he even e-mailed Wilhelm Construction (working on re-clad) to brag about his climb.

I guess he even e-mailed Wilhelm Construction (working on re-clad) to brag about his climb.

...no I didn't.

...no I didn't.

Never mind

This is true. We're giving him more attention than he deserves. I guess he even e-mailed Wilhelm Construction (working on re-clad) to brag about his climb.

You're right.
I'm all for awesome photos, but we must respect the law.
We shouldn't be supporting this sorts of acts.

Yesterday's memo from building management...

Exterior

The installation of the new curtain wall on the North and South sides of the building will be completed in the next 30-45 days. Prep work on the East and West sides is progressing on schedule. It is anticipated that the new glass panel installation on these two sides will start by March 1st. The exterior work is projected to be finished in June of this year.

Interior

The interior design for tying into the new exterior has and continues to undergo intense study and evaluation in search of a final design. The target date for finishing the interior plan is April 1, 2009. As of now, the interior work is to start 2 months after the completion of the exterior or August of this year. There will be a lot more information to come in the near future regarding this phase of the project.


Suite Visitations

Beginning in the next week, individuals from the architecture and design firm of Lamson & Condon will be visiting tenant suites to document existing perimeter conditions in preparation for the interior work starting, as mentioned above, later this year. These individuals will present a picture ID and will have a visitor badge. Please work with them to schedule appropriate times for them to visit your suite.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Does anyone think that the building management will consider doing something, even minor with that lower portion? Just seems like a clash. One guy has a deal with 3 Mass and beige, I have a deal with the lower portion of this one. Not my money though. Just seems a power wash and trim job, paint, just something would help!

Does anyone think that the building management will consider doing something, even minor with that lower portion? Just seems like a clash. One guy has a deal with 3 Mass and beige, I have a deal with the lower portion of this one. Not my money though. Just seems a power wash and trim job, paint, just something would help!

It's hard to tell what the owners will ultimately do, but it seems everyone's always agreed that something should be done to unify the tower and pedestal.

From blocks away they look like two separate buildings, which could be a good thing - If nothing ever happens, it does add to the illusion of density downtown.

It's hard to tell what the owners will ultimately do, but it seems everyone's always agreed that something should be done to unify the tower and pedestal.

From blocks away they look like two separate buildings, which could be a good thing - If nothing ever happens, it does add to the illusion of density downtown.

Hey, that was my punk band's name in high school:rock::lol:

Hey, that was my punk band's name in high school:rock::lol:

And now, ladies and gentlemen...

:righton::drunk::righton::drunk::righton:
:drunk::righton::drunk::righton::drunk:
:righton::drunk::righton::drunk::righton:
:drunk::righton::drunk::righton::drunk:


I proudly present...

:fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj:

ILLUSION OF DENSITY!

:fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj:

And now, ladies and gentlemen...

:righton::drunk::righton::drunk::righton:
:drunk::righton::drunk::righton::drunk:
:righton::drunk::righton::drunk::righton:
:drunk::righton::drunk::righton::drunk:


I proudly present...

:fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj:

ILLUSION OF DENSITY!

:fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj::fiddle::dj:

See what I mean? Awesome band name!:lol:

The new skyline shots that only show the completed sides of this already makes a huge impact. The re-clad is a major improvement.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanrooy/3257856795/

beautiful shot!

Thank you.

Great shot

I went to get some pizza at Bazbeaux's last night and had the canon point and shoot with me. So I decided to snap a couple photos. Thought you guys might appreciate seeing a couple

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3327629193_f176810c44.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3327627667_8ef0c1eaba.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3327627983_fa7f9124c3.jpg

I was also out and about around One Indiana Square yesterday and took this shot with my new camera.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3327755798_6d9eef3a5e.jpg?v=1236142137

I just LOVE the color contrast the sun makes.

I take the new east Washington exit (which is a zig-zagged mess) a few times a week and can't help but notice how the re-clad makes the skyline appear much taller than before when coming from south I-65 Northbound.

I take the new east Washington exit (which is a zig-zagged mess) a few times a week and can't help but notice how the re-clad makes the skyline appear much taller than before when coming from south I-65 Northbound.

Yeah, it really makes the skyline look fresh and like you said, taller. :banana:

Maybe they will get this thing done soon. But I wonder how much a hurry they are in? Contract and work and weather combined.

I noticed that they are finally beginning to install the new cladding on the west side of the building.

I noticed that they are finally beginning to install the new cladding on the west side of the building.

Finally. :-)

west side
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0219.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0220.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0222.jpg

east
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0224.jpg

Installing those beams seems to take the most time. Once that's completed slapping the glass panels on goes pretty quick.

There were some people walking through the suites the other day looking at where the sprinkler heads were. After the old facade is removed from the inside they will need to extend those out to accommodate for the extra square feet.

Taken a few days ago; the west side of the building is really starting to take off, and alreay looks much better at this incomplete stage...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3371203769_9978a2c7e0.jpg?v=0

I am falling in love with this glass tower. The "dark band" along the west end has looked ridiculous until now with the band "wrapping" around to the west side.

Also, I can't wait to see what the LED will be like.

I am falling in love with this glass tower. The "dark band" along the west end has looked ridiculous until now with the band "wrapping" around to the west side.

Also, I can't wait to see what the LED will be like.

I agree on the black band; it looks much better when it wraps completely around the corner.

I was walking towards Indiana Square from West Ohio this afternoon. The new glass on the west side of the bldg. gave off a spectacular reflection of the SBC building. Almost like a smooth and shiny aluminum foil.

i like the new skin... definitely a huge improvement (never really cared for the changes they made to the original design). just hope they do something to the base to tie it all together! hopefully, they had the new architects draw up some plans they can implement in the future.

Wish a couple more downtown buildings would get a new skin. The Old Blue Cross, and The Old Indiana Bell....

I love the Indiana Bell, AT&T building!

Wish a couple more downtown buildings would get a new skin. The Old Blue Cross, and The Old Indiana Bell....

...the old Villagio, the old 3 Mass, the old Lucas Oil Stadium... :-)

I'm realizing more and more that re-skinning buildings isn't always a good idea. In the case of One Indiana Square, it was needed since the current facade isn't engineered properly to handle high winds. It's too bad too; the original Indiana National Bank facade (not the tacky facade that was added around 1994) was a great example of an international style skyscraper.

I love the Indiana Bell, AT&T building!

I like the dark one, not the stone one. Can't keep the names straight. Wish I liked the 1932? building but no I never have.

I'm realizing more and more that re-skinning buildings isn't always a good idea. In the case of One Indiana Square, it was needed since the current facade isn't engineered properly to handle high winds. It's too bad too; the original Indiana National Bank facade (not the tacky facade that was added around 1994) was a great example of an international style skyscraper.

Welcome to the forum! Do you have any pictures of the original facade?

Welcome to the forum! Do you have any pictures of the original facade?

When he says new facade, he's actually just referring to the tacky jutting white "crown" and blue striping that used to be at the top until the current renovations started.

The black windows and white stripes that are currently being replaced with the new blue glass were part of the original design. Although they did replace the original marble white stripes at some point with another material because it was falling off of the higher levels, but that didn't change their look. I'm not sure if that happened when they added the crown in the 90s or not. It may have been much earlier.

Here's the original facade:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee269/jmg3xchamp/scan0002-1.jpg

Here's the 90's update:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/16560509_ac83dd0f9b.jpg?v=0

When is this supposed to be finished up? I know I'm echoing the common complaint of "this is painfully slow" but I can't find a completion date anywhere in this thread or through the initial links. Sweet photos on page 18... those guys are nuts!

When is this supposed to be finished up? I know I'm echoing the common complaint of "this is painfully slow" but I can't find a completion date anywhere in this thread or through the initial links. Sweet photos on page 18... those guys are nuts!

The lower part, maybe we can take a collection... Anything at the hardware store that will help the lower part?

When is this supposed to be finished up? I know I'm echoing the common complaint of "this is painfully slow" but I can't find a completion date anywhere in this thread or through the initial links. Sweet photos on page 18... those guys are nuts!

I don't think anyone really knows!

I think we've stopped paying attention because the dates keep getting pushed back and switched around.

Hopefully before the upcoming Final Fours and the Super Bowl.

I drove by there yesterday, and the west side was roughly 1/3-1/2 finished, I was rather impressed as I drove by. This tower is going to look very professional when finished.

I drove by there yesterday, and the west side was roughly 1/3-1/2 finished, I was rather impressed as I drove by. This tower is going to look very professional when finished.

Good I want professional, non boring buildings, and maybe they are getting this thing right in some ways... For 39 years or so, it has not been as professional and modern as some of us would like, but at least 32 or so floors will be quite nice.

I work in this building as you know. I will try to pin-point a time frame of when were all done. Last I heard it will be June.

I work in this building as you know. I will try to pin-point a time frame of when were all done. Last I heard it will be June.

June ...of this year? HA!

Seriously, we should've started a betting pool on this a long time ago.

June ...of this year? HA!

Seriously, we should've started a betting pool on this a long time ago.

I say that and today they aren't working due to the high winds. It could happen. Looks like they are done mounting the support beams on the east and west sides. The glass goes up pretty fast after that.

June ...of this year? HA!

Seriously, we should've started a betting pool on this a long time ago.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg148/Spidermonkey317/New%20Images/P1010033.jpg

This is an image that was posted on this thread in late March of last year. If I recall correctly, the south facade was pretty much on the same pace. While it doesn't seem like it when we all look at the tower on a daily basis, they have made steady progress over the last year, and given the speed with which the west side has shaped up in the last couple of weeks, a 2-3 month timeline for it to look substantially complete doesn't seem wacky.

Wish a couple more downtown buildings would get a new skin. The Old Blue Cross, and The Old Indiana Bell....

I can think of a multiple of structures downtown that need refaced before the Old Indiana Bell building.
The addition isn't that great but the original part of it is somewhat attractive.
It is made of stone and carries a sort of uniform with the courthouse.
Besides, how many downtown highrises are made of stone and not granite?
I like it the way it is.

I'm realizing more and more that re-skinning buildings isn't always a good idea. In the case of One Indiana Square, it was needed since the current facade isn't engineered properly to handle high winds. It's too bad too; the original Indiana National Bank facade (not the tacky facade that was added around 1994) was a great example of an international style skyscraper.

I disagree.
I think that Indy's skyline will improve greatly with a more reflective facade.

June ...of this year? HA!

Seriously, we should've started a betting pool on this a long time ago.


Can I enter your pool before I place my guess? :)

Can I enter your pool before I place my guess? :)

Personally, I think that this thing will be finished(the way they want it to be finished) by September 5th.

I can think of a multiple of structures downtown that need refaced before the Old Indiana Bell building.
The addition isn't that great but the original part of it is somewhat attractive.
It is made of stone and carries a sort of uniform with the courthouse.
Besides, how many downtown highrises are made of stone and not granite?
I like it the way it is.

I don't care for the original. If it would have been like alot of 1920's-1930's buildings -yes. Those Empire State looking types. Even some 200 footers look taller with the needle type look. Ft. Wayne has one if I am not mistaken. I don't mind the granite addition because the time it was put in. Give some reflection and color to the street area.

There is some amazing history to that building. An 8 story building on its site was moved around the corner in 1930 to make room for it. The telephone company was originally built as a seven story building, then seven more stories were added in the late 40's and then six or seven additional stories were added in the sixties. When you know more about the history of different buildings - it makes the building much more interesting. More details about the building and the history of that corner in Indpls are provided in the link below:

http://b-levi.com/research/arch/vonnegut/ind_bell.php

My mom worked in that building when I was a kid and her co-workers would always tell me how the building had been turned on giant blocks of ice at one time when I visited. I think I may have even remembered pictures of it somewhere. There is no mention of it on that page though...

From the way I ready the story in the link above, it wasn't the current limestone SBC (formerly Indiana Bell) building that was moved. It was the building that sat there before - which housed the Central Union Telephone Company. That 1907, eight story brick building was moved around the corner to make way for the Indiana Bell building. The limestone SBC building was then built on that site, (SW corner of New York and Meridian) beginning in 1930. (The old 1907 building that was moved is gone now and the 17 story Capital Centre North building now sits on that site.)

There seems to be quite a bit of urban mythology based on that building move. The way I had previously heard it was that the building was moved from facing New York Street to Meridian so that it could have the Meridian Street address. Most word-of-mouth stuff I have heard about seems to erroneously involve the current AT&T building being moved, not its predecessor on the site.

I think the building is fairly attractive from street level and as one of Indy's few large buildings of the era certainly merits preservation. The addition I don't like so much. Speaking of the addition, that particular look (a couple of "narrowed" floors topped by a flat roof the size of the lower floors), is reproduced in several other Indiana cities, including Muncie and South Bend. Is there a particular function to this look, or is it simply an old branding effort by Indiana Bell?

I don't care for the original. If it would have been like alot of 1920's-1930's buildings -yes. Those Empire State looking types. Even some 200 footers look taller with the needle type look. Ft. Wayne has one if I am not mistaken. I don't mind the granite addition because the time it was put in. Give some reflection and color to the street area.

:rofl:

It is a fine historic structure (though I don't care for the box at the top) and looks much better than a glass box.
Personally I think the street area looks good with a lot of stone.
It looks much better than it would if a modern glass box sat there.

I also agree that the original Indiana National Bank Tower was a great scraper. It would look good today and add some variety to the skyline, but the re-clad is uber-sharp and when JW gets completed, these two towers are going to make significant impacts

:rofl:

It is a fine historic structure (though I don't care for the box at the top) and looks much better than a glass box.
Personally I think the street area looks good with a lot of stone.
It looks much better than it would if a modern glass box sat there.

Mmm. If it went to a point more, I would like it, but I am usually in the miniority about buildings, and that is not a problem. We cannot all agree, hey I still don't care for most BDM&D buildings, or the Zipper Building, but I like Embassy Suites!

Thanks for the follow up. Definitely a lot of history there!

This is also hearsay, but I was told that the roof was a way to house and hide some of the communications equipment the phone company used.

Looking at the northwest end of the tower as of 4/25/09...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3484701767_49fd535c37.jpg?v=0

Great photo Matt! I really need to bring my camera. I want to show a few shots from the inside of our suite looking out. It's pretty dismal with 2 layers of dirty glass to look through.

Great photo Matt! I really need to bring my camera. I want to show a few shots from the inside of our suite looking out. It's pretty dismal with 2 layers of dirty glass to look through.

Have any parts been finished on the inside?

They still have to take out the old glass and add the extra flooring everywhere, right?

This project will be going on a long time after it looks finished from the outside. Taking out all that glass and extending the floor sound like slow-moving jobs.

Have any parts been finished on the inside?

They still have to take out the old glass and add the extra flooring everywhere, right?

This project will be going on a long time after it looks finished from the outside. Taking out all that glass and extending the floor sound like slow-moving jobs.

They are remodeling the 4th floor. Starting in August they are going to start removing tenants from their space 3 floors at a time and work their way down from 35. The 4th floor will be used to house the displaced tenants. Each floor will take about 10-12 weeks to complete. In addition to removing the glass they will have to move some of the outer walls and replace the wallpaper in the adjacent hallways so everything will match. Also the life-safety stuff such as sprinklers will be extended out. I would say we are getting an additional 18 inches of space all the way around the building. I am on the 12th floor so in doing the math it may be fall 2010 before we're affected.

They are remodeling the 4th floor. Starting in August they are going to start removing tenants from their space 3 floors at a time and work their way down from 35. The 4th floor will be used to house the displaced tenants. Each floor will take about 10-12 weeks to complete. In addition to removing the glass they will have to move some of the outer walls and replace the wallpaper in the adjacent hallways so everything will match. Also the life-safety stuff such as sprinklers will be extended out. I would say we are getting an additional 18 inches of space all the way around the building. I am on the 12th floor so in doing the math it may be fall 2010 before we're affected.


Sheesh, what an undertaking. Thanks.

Sheesh, what an undertaking. Thanks.

True. Our firm is 4 years into a 7 year lease. We'll have to see what kind of inconvenience this is for the tenants. I suspect some may move, but we'll see.

Damn, they could have built a brand new building in the time its going to take for this to be complete.

Top View as of May 6.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o225/SMSC1/reclad.jpg

This tower is going to be so classy and sleek! I am loving it.

Looking at all those parking lots down there makes me cringe. We need more infill projects like the Cosmopolitan. *crosses fingers*

Looking at all those parking lots down there makes me cringe. We need more infill projects like the Cosmopolitan. *crosses fingers*

Yup.

Flaherty and Collins were chosen to develop the lot around Barton Tower, which should yield a similar, if not superior development to the Cosmopolitan.

Also, over on Virginia Ave, there's a nice mixed-use by Perkin VonDeylen going in along the Cultural Trail.

Yup.

Flaherty and Collins were chosen to develop the lot around Barton Tower, which should yield a similar, if not superior development to the Cosmopolitan.

Also, over on Virginia Ave, there's a nice mixed-use by Perkin VonDeylen going in along the Cultural Trail.

What is this one? Cannot remember anything about it, and is the design different?

FINALLY hanging glass on the east side on the building.

What is this one? Cannot remember anything about it, and is the design different?

It was announced a month or so ago at a Cultural Trail meeting.

It's a pleasant-looking building with contemporary/industrial stylings. I'll take it. It doesn't make me want to be a better person, but it's a marked improvement over the 3 Mass's and Villagio's we've been getting.

I'm sure Cory at IBJ will get a rendering sooner or later. I'd have taken some pictures, but it didn't seem appropriate at the time. I honestly thought it would be out by now. Usually the Urban Times gentleman is at the meetings and anything they announce, he writes about.

Well they finally installed the new glass on my side of the building today (12th floor East). Management says they are on target to completed the outside in August

Nothing really new in this shot, but I just loved the way it was reflecting the sky yesterday evening...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3618832878_fe9c5bdbab.jpg?v=0

^^^^^^^^^^^ WOW! That is one cool reflection!!

Pretty soon, we'll have two buildings giving us those types of reflections!

I was looking out my window last night and noticed the blue LED lights were on at the top of the building; did anyone else notice? I don't think the lighting complete yet, but it seems to add a nice addition to the night skyline.

I saw it, and it looked amazing. They had the whole thing lit for a few hours on wed night... Excellent addition!!

The LED lights to the south looked like they were flashing and doing the wave rather than being solid. Is that what they are supposed to do?

anyone happen to grab a pic?

I was wondering if they would be able to move and perform "dances"?? I didn't have a camera, but I can say, the skyline at night is starting to look a lil more "professional" with this addition.

Matt Kryger/ Indy Star

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5692_1151425476443_1551838033_30393614_4136810_n.jpg

I saw the new light boards on the tower last night on 70, really makes a big difference. They must be pretty powerful, it looked like two giant beams of light shooting up into the sky, really adds some much needed color.

I was just noticing the LED's tonight. They are pretty muted, but aren't a bad addition on the whole.

Yes it has taken a little over 2 years but it appears they are on target to have the re-cladding done in August. When they started the project in June 2007 they said it would take 2 years so I wish people would cut them some slack. I want them to do it right and not have windows blown out the next time a mesocyclone comes through downtown. Then the real fun begins for the tenants as they need to remove the inside glass and move existing walls to meet with the new glass.

very undewhelmed by the LED. hopefully we get multi-color???

I'll assume the LED's are programmable. There's a definite wave from bright to dim to bright, top to bottom.

It's an odd light source, isn't it? It makes my eyes pulse a bit.

I think it's a great-looking blue. Hopefully they can switch up the pattern a bit.

LED lighting on all four sides? Or just on the north and south facades?

http://green.indy.com/galleries/6410#id=6410&num=photo267791

No, I'm not talking about Mayor Ballard, I'm talking about the wonderful reflection on One Indiana Square. Also, 429 on the Park is shaping up quite nicely too! :cheers:

LED lighting on all four sides? Or just on the north and south facades?

Just the north and south, I believe.

come on guys! Where are all the pics?

come on guys! Where are all the pics?

I took this one yesterday; I love the way it reflects it surroundings

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3728590668_9414e46157.jpg?v=0

This building is shaping up really nicely. Now if only they made the base complement the tower and throw on a green roof for good measure. :)

This building is shaping up really nicely. Now if only they made the base complement the tower and throw on a green roof for good measure. :)

Exactly! The green roof is that an environmental one? Sorry, still not up on the green buildings yet.

This has to be one of the slowest projects I've seen. At the rate they are going the JW Marriott tower will have been completely assembled including the excavation and parking structure in the time it took to reclad this building.

This has to be one of the slowest projects I've seen. At the rate they are going the JW Marriott tower will have been completely assembled including the excavation and parking structure in the time it took to reclad this building.

The race is ON!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0417.jpg

it's a beauty..

I really like the redesign; however, HATE the black strips on the sides. WTH? It looks so awkward

The black edge alternately annoys and intrigues me depending on where I'm viewing. From the north or south, I think it's terrible. The fact that they didn't continue the lighted cap across the black portion makes it even more irritating to my eye.

But from the side, particularly at an angle such as New York or Ohio, I find it interesting. The Pennsylvania facade is particularly cool when viewed at a short distance.

They're down to the last two floors on the east side to complete -- and just have half of each of those two floors to work on. Could it be "done" in a week and a half? Its finally getting there!

Found some information on an old tri-fold card that they handed out when Indiana Square was first built (and actually by looking at the dates provided this card was printed before the building was done). Some of the facts...

Important Dates:
Building announcement: 9/15/66
Demolition begun: 6/9/67
Ground breaking: 8/10/67
First Steel Erected: 12/15/67
Topping out: Sept 1968 (est.)
Completion: Late 1969 (est.)

Cost: Excess of 20 million
Structural Steel: 7,400 tons
Wiring: 265 miles
Tower dimensions: Width 100 feet, length 170 feet
Base Dimension: 200 X 400 feet
Glass for Exterior Walls: 350,000 Square Feet

17 elevators:
Low-rise 500 feet per minute
Mid-rise 700 feet per minute
High-rise 1,000 feet per minute

Exterior Finish of Building:
Duranodic aluminum
Solargray glass
White Italian marble

Rentable space: 677,590 Square Feet

Building Height:
1,221 above sea level
504 feet above ground level.

Heliport: 38th level (roof)
Observation Terrace: 36th floor

Sorry to quote something from two years ago but am curious as to whether this Observation Terrace actually exists? If so, let's see some photos from up top!

The re-clad took forever but it really does look good. Patience pays off, hey? It's fun to look at everyone's excitement over this project in the first five pages or so of the thread.

Sorry to quote something from two years ago but am curious as to whether this Observation Terrace actually exists? If so, let's see some photos from up top!

I used to work at the Teller's Cage Restaurant the floor below the Obervation Deck when I was in Highschool. At that time they were using it for storage for the restaurant's extra tables and chairs. Pretty neat view though. This is one of the only buildings I've been in that you can truly feel the sway enough to give you that funny feeling in your gut...

Anyway, I'm not sure of it's condition right now.

BTW, I think the dual color scheme and the way it has horizontal breaks in the facade is awesome. The only gripe I have is with the lighting at night- anyone else notice that it is choppy and inconsistent accross the top?

I used to work at the Teller's Cage Restaurant the floor below the Obervation Deck when I was in Highschool. At that time they were using it for storage for the restaurant's extra tables and chairs. Pretty neat view though. This is one of the only buildings I've been in that you can truly feel the sway enough to give you that funny feeling in your gut...

Anyway, I'm not sure of it's condition right now.

BTW, I think the dual color scheme and the way it has horizontal breaks in the facade is awesome. The only gripe I have is with the lighting at night- anyone else notice that it is choppy and inconsistent accross the top?
Yes:

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/corrnd/One%20Indiana%20Square/1024px/2009-07BuildingsatNight024-1.jpg

http://dig-b.blogspot.com/2009/07/photo-one-indiana-square-at-night.html

Here are some photos I took...

This one is from June ------> http://www.captureindy.com/photo/248338

This one was just after the fireworks on July 5, you can see how the LED lights shoot beams into the sky, pretty cool -----------> http://www.captureindy.com/photo/239982

Thanks Cavanroo. I like your pictures! Keep showing them.

The lack of consistency in the LED lighting up top is embarrassing. We had a similar situation in Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Public Market sign...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2157081392_ec88fd4bf2.jpg

Eventually they got it right and it's been fine ever since but it did take a good six-eight months... :bash:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2460369091_2a4055b67b.jpg

ignore

The lack of consistency in the LED lighting up top is embarrassing. We had a similar situation in Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Public Market sign...
Well, to be fair, this refacade project isn't technically done yet. Hopefully we don't end up embarrassed when they're done. ;)

BTW, I think the dual color scheme and the way it has horizontal breaks in the facade is awesome. The only gripe I have is with the lighting at night- anyone else notice that it is choppy and inconsistent accross the top?


Yes, it is very choppy and does not have the ipact I thought it would. Dare I say I liked the old lighting scheme better

Oh god no dont say that cory

I used to work at the Teller's Cage Restaurant the floor below the Obervation Deck when I was in Highschool. At that time they were using it for storage for the restaurant's extra tables and chairs. Pretty neat view though. This is one of the only buildings I've been in that you can truly feel the sway enough to give you that funny feeling in your gut...

Anyway, I'm not sure of it's condition right now.

BTW, I think the dual color scheme and the way it has horizontal breaks in the facade is awesome. The only gripe I have is with the lighting at night- anyone else notice that it is choppy and inconsistent accross the top?

When I worked security in the building we had to go up to 36 every morning to change a video tape for IPS. The North side of the old obs deck is full of radio and satellite equipment.

Yes, it is very choppy and does not have the ipact I thought it would. Dare I say I liked the old lighting scheme better

This would have been cool. It's the Agbar Tower in Barcelona, Spain. It looks too phallic for my taste however.

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/torre_agbar_led.jpg

This would have been cool. It's the Agbar Tower in Barcelona, Spain. It looks too phallic for my taste however.

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/torre_agbar_led.jpg


Love it. The shape reminds me of the Gherkin in London

^^
The one in London is better.
I love how it uses different colors of blue, it is modern but elegant.

Does it really matter? Unless a building downtown has lots of colors and lighting and stand out it won't matter. I'm a Indy person since last year. But now, since the lighting faults with the new stadium, and now with the new building. This make me think that the signing companies in Indy cant do their jobs!! Just my thoughts...

I am going out on a limb, and think this building might yet still have a surprise in store for us. If you think about it, all the buildings old black glass is still sitting on the other side of the new facade. I'd imagine once it's removed, the interior lighting at night will look much more blue, and aesthetically, will work in much better tandem with the lights up top.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090811/LOCAL/90811018/One+Indiana+Square+facelift+almost+done

A Downtown high-rise makeover is almost complete -- the exterior portion, at least.

Workers today are preparing to set the last panels on the exterior shell of One Indiana Square, on its northeast face. The 36-story building at 211 N. Penn. St. in downtown Indianapolis houses offices for various companies, including Regions Bank.
Advertisement

The makeover has been underway for two years. The building sustained damage from high winds in April 2006.

Interior remodeling continues.

Jessie McClelland, 33, of Indianapolis, said he liked the bluish reflective tint that mixes with darker panels on the edges.

"I think it looks great," he said today from a sidewalk at Delaware and New York street, pointing toward One Indiana.

"It's an attractive building, and it adds to the Downtown scene," added Paul Hambrick, 58, a federal worker who waiting at a bus stop, also in view of the high-rise. "It fits in better. "It's a pretty sharp look."

The building was constructed in 1970 as the Indiana National Bank Tower.

Designed by Thomas E. Stanley, it was Indiana's tallest building until 1982, when the OneAmerica Tower was completed. It received a new facade and exterior lighting scheme in the 1990s. The Chase Tower is now Indiana's tallest building.

http://cmsimg.indystar.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=BG&Date=20090811&Category=LOCAL&ArtNo=90811018&Ref=AR&MaxW=320

http://photos.indystar.com/galleries/7103-one-indiana-square#id=7103&num=1

http://photos.indystar.com/galleries/7103-one-indiana-square#id=7103&num=1

Very cool slideshow. It's pretty neat to see it all together from the initial day of damage to the final glass panel put in place.

To be quite honest I think the reclad looks hideous. It looks unfinished. It looks like a cheap attempt to partially cover the exterior. Really a lame design. It would look good if they finished it off. But the design makes it look like they ran out of panels or money.

To be quite honest I think the reclad looks hideous. It looks unfinished. It looks like a cheap attempt to partially cover the exterior. Really a lame design. It would look good if they finished it off. But the design makes it look like they ran out of panels or money.

I think you're in the minority buddy. ;)

I generally like the new facade. I do wish that the north and south sides looked more like the east and west sides. I like the black corners except for the really wide corners on the north and south sides. If they were more narrow, I think it would be a homerun, but as it is I think it is very solid and really nice addition to the Indy skyline.

I think you're in the minority buddy. ;)

That's what I say. I personally don't care WHAT the re-clad looked like. I work in that building and just want to feel safe.

Anyone notice that it too has "fins" like the new JW? If you get a chance look closely at the SW corner of the building. They point out to the west. A "fin" must be a new architectual detail of this millinium. :lol: I'll try to see if I can capture a picture and post this detail sometime in the future.

I happen to like the corners on the north and south side of it. Looks like it pays homage to the previous design of this tower. :)

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the black stripes are actually a conceptual feature, a commemorative design element paying homage to the damaged section of the building. It's seems more than coincidental that the dark band is in exactly the same row as the storm-damaged area.

Just food for thought.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090816/BUSINESS07/908160319/1003/BUSINESS/Under+tower+s+finished+skin++workers++suit+still+plod+along