Wilson Apartments, 643 Ft. Wayne Ave., Indianapolis, 1981
| Description: |
DESCRIPTION: The Wilson is a three-story, T-shaped, eight unit flats buildingconstructed of common bond yellow brick and architectural terra cotta. Thesymmetric entrance facade faces northwest onto Fort Wayne Avenue. The distinctiveexterior architectural features are the five bay Doric order Renaissance Revivalterra cotta entrance arcade, the two-story wood frame bay windows, the raisedvoussoir lintels, and the oval windows in the center of the facade. The sashwindows are one over one. The brickwork at the corners imitates quoins. A rowof small terra cotta bullseyes are used below the attic. The cornice (probablymetal) has been removed (date not determined).SIGNIFICANCE: The Wilson is significant for its use of numerous distinctive Renaissance Revivalmotifs derived from the classical vocabulary of architectural design. The fivebay yellow terra cotta entrance arcade is strongly reminiscent of Antonio daSangallos famous Farnese Palace Courtyard (c. 1541-1550) in Rome. The Wilson isalso significant as an investment property of James H. Wilson, vice-president andsecretary of the Indianapolis Book and Stationery Company. Wilson, born in 1848in Wheeling, West Virginia, moved to Indianapolis immediately after the Civil War.He began working in the book publishing business with Bobbs-Merrill Co. In 1905Wilson, who had achieved financial success, lived in the Old Northside (NationalRegister) and was an active member of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Wilson, whoretired from business in 1929, died in 1935 and was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.The Wilson was strategically located only one-half block from fashionable North Pennsylvania Street and has continually contributed to the density and vitality ofdowntown Indianapolis life.-From National Register Nomination: Apartments and Flats of Downtown Indianapolis Wilson Apartments, 643 Ft. Wayne Ave., Indianapolis, 1981, Interior view, during renovations Yes multi-family dwelling |
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| Origin: | 1981-03 |
| Source: |
http://iuidigital.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/HT/id/6219 |
| Collection: |
Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Image Collection |
| Rights: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
| Copyright: |
In Copyright |
| Subjects: |
Architecture--Indiana--Indianapolis Built environment Historic districts Renaissance Revival |
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