One Man's Indy

I was having coffee the other morning with a group who is working to develop audio-based architectural walking tours of downtown Indianapolis. It should be a very cool project when we get it done, but more on that later. The first tour we're developing involves a stop by Indianapolis' Monument Circle to learn about the city's signature architectural structure, the iconic Sailors and Soldiers Monument. This led us to discuss the work that was recently done to the monument. For weeks we were all fenced off from the heart of the city as they reinforced some steel in the monument. At least I thought that was all they were doing. I was informed by one of the architects at the table that they were altering Lady Victory's base. I got the sense that the change was intended to better accommodate visitors wanting to see views of the city. Sounds great right? However, the architect was upset because the changes altered the shape of the structure and, in her opinion, disrupted the natural sight lines created by the previous design in order to insert an observational "box."

I could see the architect's point. As you see in the photo above the "Old" design flowed much better than the "New" design. The question remained, are the improved views worth the sacrifice? I decided to find out.  After years of saying I was going to visit this Indianapolis attraction and travel to the top, today I was finally going to do it. I made my way there, excited about what I was going to discover. I went through the doors to the interior of the monument, but was then informed that the "New" observation deck wouldn't be open until after Thanksgiving. Huh? To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Yet another one of the great things to do in downtown Indianapolis that I have yet to check off my list.

What do you think? Does the new design bother you? Will the new design enhance the visitor experience? Your thoughts are welcome.