The Indiana Theater, 1927
140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis IN 46204
Architect/Designer: Rubush & Hunter
Description:
The Indiana Theater is a six story structure that features a stunning glazed terra cotta façade. The main portion of the facade begins just above the marquee. The central bay is encrusted with ornament in the typical manner of Spanish Baroque architecture. The central arch is supported by a pair of identical three story columns which flank the window opening. Another pair of columns frames each outer edge of the central bay. Tall, narrow panels between the paired columns contain three levels of small windows. Additional terra cotta ornament within the façade includes griffins, swans, and symbols of royalty such as pomegranates. The incredible detail within the central façade is contrasted with the clean lines of the window bays and the smooth terra cotta tiles throughout the remainder of the structure.
Significance Statement – including special status and awards won:
The Indiana Theatre is the largest and most ornamented historic movie palace left in Indianapolis, an example of the extravagant movie palaces of the 1920s. The building also has one of the finest glazed terra cotta facades, and certainly the most ornamental, in town.
Designation status:
National Register of Historic Places, 1979
Style: Spanish Baroque
Owner (past/present):
Past: Circle Theater Company
Present: Indiana Repertory Theater
Materials: Brick, Terra Cotta
Additions and/or changes with date:
1972: Converted into convention space
Late 1970s: Converted to live theater, removal of basement bowling ally
Upper level interior renovation, date unknown
Historic use/current use:
Historic: Movie Palace
Current: Theater, event space
Is building open to the public?: No
Condition: Excellent
Website and/or sources of information
Indiana Repertory Theater: http://www.irtlive.com/
History: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/indianatheatre.htm
Research Sources:
National Register of Historic Places, Indiana Theater, Marion, Indianapolis, Indiana. 1979.
National Park Service. “Indiana Theater.” Accessed October 20, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/indianatheatre.htm
