This historic capital building has been undergoing renovations in 2025 as can be evidenced by the…read morescaffolding surrounding the rotunda in the photograph I have posted. It is the historic working capital building & seat of government for the state of Indiana. Open to the public as it should be the beautiful architecture and grounds are a must visit for Indiana citizens and anyone else who finds their self in the capital city of Indianapolis.

Stopped by for a tour. The tour guide let me join a big group at 10:30am. This place is beautiful…read moreand so cool! Got to meet the Comptroller, see the House of Representatives in session, sit in the Senator's chairs, and see the Supreme Court. The tour guide is so knowledgeable. After the tour, he gave me some good museum suggestions and showed me where to go.

If there's one curse I associate with being a wheelchair user, it's the fact that I tend to fall in…read morelove with historic houses that are far from wheelchair friendly. Such is the case with the Irvington area's "The Benton House," a home built in 1873 and intended to be one of the homes to set the architectural flavor of the Irvington area. Alas, the home's construction was shortly followed by an economic downtown and many of the surrounding homes were built on smaller lots and were a bit more modest in size. This 10-room home served as home from former Butler University President Dr. Allan Benton (Fun Fact: His wife was named Silence, which I personally think is an incredibly cool name). By 1907, it had changed hands and stayed in the Miller family until 1966 when it was sold to the Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation. There are items from Dr. Benton still located in the home. The home recently underwent renovations and is available for club meetings, weddings, private parties, and retreats. As it is a historic home and noted as a historic landmark, it is not wheelchair friendly. Getting around the yard is fairly easy, though there are steps into the home. Geocachers will be interested to note that there's a geocache located within close proximity of the home - this is actually how I originally discovered the home myself. It remains a nicely wooded lot and is quite often decorated seasonally. You can actually become a "member" of The Benton House - $25 for individuals annually and $50 for families and/or organizations. There are benefits associated with membership, though the greatest benefit is supporting a really beautiful and historic Irvington home. As a wheelchair user, I love homes like this even though they are far from wheelchair friendly. My own home is a 1955 California ranch that, quite fortunately, is on one level. However, I've long felt like if I ever obtained the ability to walk or increase mobility one of my first actions would be to buy a home such as this incredible beauty.

The Benton House will be in my fondest memories for decades to come... granted I might be a little…read morebiased since we had our rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception here. Working with Linda was a breeze. She is so sweet and accommodating. The preferred tent company is a little exhausting, but I kind of think the whole formal wedding process is a little exhausting, so that might just be personal preference. I can't handle talking about table cloth colors for two hours without feeling like I'm losing my mind a little. My husband and I couldn't have been happier with the weekend, and it seems like our guests had a great time, as well. If you're looking at renting The Benton House for any type of indoor event under 100 people, or outdoor event under 150, I 100% recommend it.

I've decided to do an update of this Social Security Office since their location has moved a bit…read more It has also been a solid ten years since my original review. I'm not quite sure why they changed from the relatively comfortable digs at 56th and Post Road (which was actually built for them) to an obviously older and far more disheveled building at 16th and Post Road. I needed to snag some documentation so I could complete some paperwork for my father. Surprisingly, I didn't have it. In the old days, it was super easy to just drop in. Sure, you waited. Yet, you could stop in and get served and be on your merry way. These days, the emphasis is on web-based experiences. They also suggest an appointment for most situations, though an appointment is not actually "required" except for a few services. I arrived noting, with some dismay, that there's not a single true ADA spot here unless you go to the employee side of the building where there's two. The front entry has a two-sided double-entry with glass doors. As you enter, there's security to the right and two kiosks where you sign in. You sign in even with appointments, though it appeared appointment times were generally honored. I initially entered and saw all the "make an appointment" signs and freaked. Then, I saw all the "you can accomplish this online" and freaked out. So, I went back to my car (there's no one really offering anything resembling customer service) and tried to call them. After going through a mazes of automated/AI responses that weren't what I needed, I may have screamed "Give me a fu**ing human." Strangely enough, that worked and within seconds I was connected with a human. Even more strangely, that human was surprisingly kind and helpful. As expected, she could not help because I was acting on behalf of someone else. She encouraged me to go into a branch - I noted being in the branch parking lot, and she encouraged me to just walk-in. So, I went back in (I didn't walk, of course. I still haven't mastered that skill). I finally realized the kiosks were there and signed in. The waiting area is basically BMV-like. It's a large room. The employees all sit behind shielded booths and when you get called you go to the associated booth. It's weird and very industrial and stunningly impersonal. Fortunately, I was served by a very nice woman who knew her stuff and resolved my concern fairly quickly (after about a 45-minute wait to see her). All in all, I was pretty stunned to get my issue resolved in one day. So, that keeps my 3-star from being a 2-star. Access? There's one parking spot with a VERY faded wheelchair symbol and the spot isn't close to ADA. The only two spots I saw were on the employee side - so much so that an employee who saw me pointed out the entry was on the other side of the building. They do have an accessible restroom. Most of the booths seem fairly accessible, though most have two chairs in them. I had to move chairs to move up to the counter. The security guard was fine - neither gruff nor friendly. Certainly not helpful. It's simple. A lot can be resolved online these days. Try it. Calling can also help. However, there are those reasons you have to go in and you just have to get through it. It's not great. It's not awful. It's the government (Hey, I can say that. I work for the government).

I experienced a very wonderful woman, Christina, This young woman knew her business and as sweet as…read moreshe could be!!!!! Whoever hired her I'm sure are quite pleased with her hire! Keep up the great work!!!!!!

The City-County Building in Indianapolis acts as the base for our consolidated city-county…read moregovernment. Within it you can find all of the county and city offices. The structure itself is an imposing 28 story structure that, until recently, had nothing alike in its eastern edge of downtown Indianapolis. The building really is an odd mix of adapting to the modern world while still being stuck in time. There are security check points at each of the entrances. Cell phone signals are unusually decent in this old building. And there is evidence of slapping a new coat of paint on certain objects, as seen on the elevator doors. But there is also evidence that the building is a bit stuck in time. It is the only building that I've stepped into in the past several years that had way more than one working pay phones. The dismembered heads of former mayors seem to really lack context until you read the plagues and then you're like "Oh, this is supposed to be honoring them". Even the building itself really just hasn't aged well. Before the Whole Foods Tower (or whatever it is called) was built, nothing really matched it in terms of height so it just kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe if it was closer to Monument Circle it would blend a bit more in with the other tall buildings, but it just...well, is big and imposing. Then you get into that you have rank-and-file government employees in the same building that is holding criminal trials, and you can kind of see what might've been a good idea 60 years ago might not be a great idea now. To the south is a public square where the original Marion County Courthouse used to stand. It is closed but is set to re-open with a bit more greenspace and whatnot. Oh, I almost forgot. There is an Observation Deck with a small museum on the top floor. You have to access it through the service elevator. It has a small museum of Indy history and a great view. Website link is the Building Authority, which actually owns and operates the building. Yeah, I'm a nerd and love discovering obscure government agencies.

Not sure who to direct this to so I'm trying this. I live in Indianapolis. I've lived here for many…read moremany years. The downtown area has definitely improved in the past 5 years. However...... Who is in charge of the architectural design of new buildings? Why are there so many UGLY buildings going up?? This really ruins the view!!! For example, walking on the Cultural Trail from the canal to the public library downtown: 1. The Addition to the library itself is glass and metal attached to a beautiful old historic building. WHY?? Why do that? 2. Behind the library building are new apartments which look like unfinished boxes in red and blue. (The Congress at Library Square). Please! There is no "library square". WHY? Who approved this monstrosity? 3. Just down the street is a beautiful older building which has apartments. (The Plaza at Library Square). They are embarrassed by the horrible looking apartments next to them. 4. Across from the library are the Meridian Arch condos (Formerly the Meridian Street Methodist Episcopal Church), a beautiful historical building. 5. Walking down the cultural trail, you can view the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Across the street are new apartment BOXES which provide a DISCONCERTING and UNATTRACTIVE view. WHY?? Why would you or WHOEVER allow these UGLY buildings to be put up? WHY??? 6. Further down the pathway is the new Phoenix Theater building which is made from what appears to be gray corrugated cardboard. WHY?? Why couldn't they build a more appealing building? 7. As I walk down the path, I pass by Economy Plumbing, which incorporated a lovely building in the front. 8. Across from that building is Zesco, which sells Restaurant supplies. They utilized a lovely old building to house their business. 9. Across the path from Zesco is a building with metal slats for siding. Apparently this is a Roland Design. Ugh! It is incredibly sad that the city of Indianapolis can't do more to make a consistent architectural plan or design. No one wants to look at the new monstrosities that are being put up endlessly.

You can find nicer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch…read more You can find newer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch. You can certainly find bigger library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch. Yet, there's something about the Irvington Branch of Indianapolis Public Library that is simply dazzling. It's warm, inviting, comfortable, and just fits really well with the unique community that is Irvington. This branch has served the Irvington area since 1903 when the Bona Thompson Library was donated to what was then Butler College (and was originally located in Irvington). It soon became a public library branch. The branch relocated in 1914 and 1921. In 1956, a new facility was opened on East Washington Street and named for Hilton U. Brown (Hoosiers should recognize the name). He was also an Irvington resident. The Brown Branch closed in 2001 and made way for the late 2001 opening of this 16,000-square foot branch. The Irvington Branch is directly on East Washington Street, though parking is actually behind it. Accessible parking is easily available. While nearly all branches offer push-button automatic doors, Irvington has actual automatic doors. I was super impressed (and grateful - I was tired.). While I wouldn't call the Irvington Branch small, it's definitely smaller than most newer branches and definitely feels smaller. That said, it offers the usual amenities: The meeting room here is actually still named for Hilton U. Brown. The branch also offers internet access, public computers with Microsoft Office, early learning computer stations, free wifi, meeting space, study area rooms, accessible work stations, self-checkout, color printer, color copy machine, document scanner, mobile printing, outgoing fax, exam proctoring, walk-up book return, and bike racks. The bathrooms do offer accessibility. I did not see a family bathroom - which most new branches are offering. The layout was very wheelchair friendly. I was easily able to get everywhere I wanted to get. The librarians were super friendly - I actually found a copy of my own book here and asked a librarian if she would take my photo with it. She did. In fact, she took three just to make sure. So kind. The lighting here was rather dim and the atmosphere subdued. They offer a variety of community events. I will note that they are closed on Sundays. I also noted they had a memorial bench in their yard and a neat little plaza garden area that I really appreciated. I'd been in this branch before, though it had been a while since I'm closer to Glendale and Fort Ben. However, I'll easily return to this location when I'm in the area.

Visited this location for the first time yesterday to get a library card. The folks working there…read morewere very friendly and helpful. It's a great old nostalgic smelling library with lots of seating available and plenty of space to look around.

Food: 3/5. Bedding: Solid 4. Bathrrooms: Stinky, my roommates need to learn how to courtesy flush…read more Facilities: weight room needs a new treadmill, this one has blood on it. Electric Shock Therapy: They told me not to talk about that. Overall not bad if you're in a jam and need to "sleep off the crazy pills" when they find you dancing naked at Steak N Shake at 2 am.

For intake (APC) it takes for-ever, mine was 27 hours. In jail there's no mental health care to…read morespeak of, though about 25% of people need it. If you tell them you are under menatal health care when you are processes, they withhold it for a week to make you talk. When it's your time to be releases, they hold you for an extra day...or two...or 7...cause they do not care and their records are messed up.

Historical and grand monument to honor Indiana veterans from the Revolutionary War during the…read moreSpanish American War. It only open during the weekends at winter time. And I think there's a fountain (not working now) and you can take elevator to the observatory deck. The sculpture around is amazing. Nice art form and great memorable piece for the soldiers and sailors.

This is one of the most important sites in downtown Indianapolis. It's only few minutes walk from…read morethe Canal st. The monument is a wonderful blend of art and history, surrounded by tall buildings. There are has several different statues in each side of it, and one main statue on top. There's an engraving on the monument's pedestal with numbers about civil war. As we walked around, we saw a blue section, which is probably the water fountain during summer time. There was a sign near the street side regarding Indiana Pride's origin. Also there were several cones around the monument, probably because steps were slippery due to snow and ice.