It is Raina Regan’s job to appreciate the details — she’s an architectural historian by training. This comes through in her photographs of downtown Indianapolis and its rich architectural history.
She works for Indiana Landmarks, a nonprofit organization devoted to saving historic locations, and she’s an ambassador for all things Indianapolis. Her must-see list in downtown Indy includes Monument Circle, the Indiana War Memorial, the Federal Building and the Central Library, many of which she captured in her series for My Modern Midwest.
Downtown Indianapolis Skyline: The layers of old and new buildings in downtown Indianapolis allow for a beautiful architectural landscape to photograph. Some of the notable tall buildings include the City-County Building, Chase Tower, and the Gold Building.
Indiana War Memorial- Indianapolis is second to Washington D.C. with the number of monuments dedicated to veterans in the United States. The Indiana War Memorial is a stunning Neoclassical building with breathtaking detail and an awe-inspiring shrine on the interior.
Monument Circle – The Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is the center of downtown Indianapolis. The original plan for Indianapolis by Alexander Ralston centered around the Circle with four radiating streets. Monument Circle is a favorite for both locals and visitors to photograph.
IPL Building – The Indianapolis Power & Light Co. (IPL) Building is located on Monument Circle and features a curved façade facing the circle. The architecture was modernized from the original 1925 building to its current design in 1965.
Circle Tower – An art deco masterpiece, Circle Tower is one of the iconic buildings found on Monument Circle. The 1930 building features beautiful gold ornaments in the first floor lobby.
Maryland Street – You can’t fully appreciate this building on Maryland Street unless you get a little higher to take in all the architectural detail.
Looking Up 1 North Meridian Street – Located south of Monument Circle, this beautiful terra cotta façade was constructed in 1915. The Kahn Building was designed by noted Indianapolis architecture firm Vonnegut, Bohn, and Mueller.
Hyatt Downtown Indianapolis – The downtown Hyatt is a contemporary hotel right in the heart of downtown.
Downtown Skyline Looking North – The Indianapolis skyline will change in the next few years as several new tall buildings will be constructed in the vicinity of downtown.