Old City Hall

202 N Alabama – Built 1910

Construction started on the “Old City Hall” in 1909 and was completed in 1910. It served as the center for municipal government for 52 years until city hall was moved in 1962. Thats when the City County Building at 200 E Washington St. (that we all know and love) opened up. Not to be confused with the modern day Justice Campus.

Listed on Register for National Historic Places in 1974

To be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a property must meet certain criteria set by the National Park Service (NPS). Here are the key prerequisites:

1. Age: The property must generally be at least 50 years old, although exceptions can be made if the property has exceptional significance.
2. Integrity: The property must retain its historic integrity, meaning it should still look much as it did in the past and convey its significance through location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
3. Significance: The property must meet at least one of the following criteria for significance:
   • Criterion A: Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
   • Criterion B: Association with the lives of persons significant in our past.
   • Criterion C: Embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or representation of the work of a master, or possession of high artistic values, or representation of a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
   • Criterion D: Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
4. Documentation: Adequate documentation and historical context must be provided to justify the property’s significance and integrity.
5. Consent: For individual properties, the owner(s) must consent to the listing. For historic districts, a majority of property owners must not object to the designation.

These criteria ensure that listed properties have historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance and are preserved for future generations.

Indiana State Museum – 1966 – 2001

The Old City Hall building in Indianapolis, a remarkable example of Classical Revival architecture, served as the Indiana State Museum from 1966 to 2001. During this period, the building was a cultural hub, housing an extensive collection of artifacts that showcased Indiana’s rich history and heritage. Visitors could explore exhibits ranging from natural history and paleontology to the state’s role in the Civil War and its industrial advancements. The museum’s location in the historic heart of downtown Indianapolis added to its charm, attracting both locals and tourists. After 35 years of being the state museum, the Old City Hall transitioned to new uses, and the Indiana State Museum relocated to its current, modern facility in White River State Park, continuing its mission of preserving and presenting Indiana’s history.

Temporary Public Library 2002 – 2007

During the 2002 – 2007 renovation of the downtown Indianapolis library, the Old City Hall building once again showcased its adaptability and importance as a civic asset by serving as a temporary library. This historic structure, with its elegant Classical Revival architecture, provided an inspiring and welcoming space for the community. It housed a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources, ensuring that Indianapolis residents continued to have access to vital library services during the renovation period. The Old City Hall’s ability to meet the community’s needs during this time underscored its role in supporting the cultural and intellectual fabric of the city, bridging a crucial gap and allowing the main library to modernize and improve its facilities.

Future Proposal

Complete renovation of Historic Building plus addition of new construction 32 story residential tower, with condominium units and a C21 Museum Hotel.  The historic former City Hall would be a public art gallery.  

Author: Ryan Mullin

I Love the city of Indianapolis. Art, real estate, small biz and model trains. :)