It started with Saarinens

Architectural Tour in Columbus, IN (December 2002)

Columbus, Indiana is an exceptional midwestern town, not only because of its unique architecture but also because of the abundance of international companies, which makes the atmosphere multicultural and accepting.

Most tourists come to Columbus because of its architecture, though, which is pretty remarkable given this town of population of 40000 and the location in the middle of nowhere. The Columbus comes fourth in the States, after Boston, Washington, D.C and San Fransisco, in the concentration of buildings designed by famous architects. It all started with a Finn, Eliel Saarinen in 1942 when he was asked to design a Christian Church to town. Enjoy the tour!




Ruddick-Nugent House Bed & Breakfast (1884) Our room in Ruddick-Nugent Some old memorabilia Columbus veteran's memorial by the Courthouse Columbus veteran's memorial
Bartholomew County Courthouse by Isaac Hodgson (1874) The Commons Mall by Cesar Pelli (1973) Bartholomew County Jail by Hisaka and Associates (1990) Old Crump theater Ameritech Building (back)
Ameritech Building (front) First Christian Church by Eliel Saarinen (1942) First Christian Church Cleo Rogers Memorial Library by I.M. Pei and Partners (1969) Cleo Rogers Memorial Library
St. Peter's Lutheran Church by Gunnar Birkerts (1988) St. Peter's Lutheran Church (back) What's wrong with this picture? Some residential Christmas decoration Some ...
Noblitt park early next morning Noblitt park Hiker by Flatrock River The Cummins Inc.'s Corporate Office Building by Roche and Dinkeloo and Associates (1983) The Cummins Inc. is the town's largest employer.
The Cummins Inc. manufactures diesel engines. The Cummins' main entrance The Cummins' shadows The Cummins personnel cafeteria The cafe
First Christian Church Piece of history Irwin Union Bank & Trust, the original part on the right was designed by Eero Saarinen (1954) and the addition by Roche and Dinkeloo and Associates (1973) The addition of Irwin Union Bank & Trust Reflections from Irwin Union Bank & Trust
Vines Fire Station No. 1 Rhododendron North Christian Church by Eero Saarinen (1964) North Christian Church
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Northside Middle School by Harry Weese (1961) Northside Middle Northside Middle