Moving Work
June 29, 2005 | In: History, Indianapolis, Work
This weekend my employer will be relocating its offices from above the Hard Rock Cafe in the Mirrison Opera Place to the Gauranty Building on the southwest corner of of Meridian Street and Monument Circle.
A fellow at work sent me a little email describing the history of the Gauranty Building that I’d like to share with you now.
The local architectural firm of Rubush and Hunter designed the Guaranty Building in 1922, with construction completed in 1923. The building’s design was born out of the height restriction controversy of 1921-1922. The 1920s was a decade of new commercial construction that transformed the downtown, particularly Monument Circle. A local ordinance of 1905 limited the height of buildings fronting the Circle to 86 feet or approximately seven stories in an attempt to protect the prominence of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. After much debate, an ordinance passed in 1922 permitting Circle-fronting buildings to rise to 108 feet and allowing for an additional 42 feet through a series of facade setbacks. Rubush and Hunter’s final design conforms to the 1922 ordinance; however, two earlier design proposals for the Guaranty in 1921 called for building twelve-story and seven-story heights. The Guaranty set the standards that decade for other near-identical Circle buildings constructed with Renaissance Revival styling, limestone facades, and nine-story height.
The Guaranty Building was built by William P. Jungclaus Company as an office building with retail use on the first two floors. Early tenants included Western Union Telegraph Company, numerous law offices, and insurance companies. Over the years the Guaranty has retained most of its original design and fabric. The sculpted bas-reliefs on the facade are the work of local Estonian-born sculptor Alexander Sangernebo. The curved limestone facade continues to underscore the importance of its location on Monument Circle.
Outside our windows is a spectacular view of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. I’ll be sure and post some photos when I get the chance, as well as shots of the outside of the building.
