Rudolph Schwarz Southside Turnverein Facade
2019
Designed by Bernard Vonnegut Sr, the Indianapolis Southside Turnverein building was listed as one of Indiana's most endangered architectural works. The building was purchased by Betsy Brougher and William Atkins, owners of Point Comfort Underwriters for use as their business headquarters. They successfully advocated to have the building placed on the National Historic Register. A crucial component of the building's rehabilitation was a complete restoration of the Rudolph Schwarz relief on the building facade. After inspection it was determined that the sculpture could not be saved. Ignition Arts was given permission from the National Parks to create a replica of the sculpture, working from the remains of the relief and just a few photographs of the original facade. Ignition Arts worked with preservationists from Ratio Architects to recreate the work in clay and cast in fiberglass and resin composite with a stainless steel frame.
IGNITION ARTS FABRICATION SCOPE
Project management, engineering, fabrication, installation
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Ratio Architects
MATERIALS & DIMENSIONS
Polyester resin, fiberglass, stainless steel, hardware
18 ft x 13 ft x 4 ft
LOCATION & CLIENT
South Side Turnverein, Indianapolis, IN
Point Comfort Underwriters
CONSULTANTS
CMID, Inc.
FABRICATIONS PARTNERS
Fiberglass & Plastic Fab Inc.
PHOTO CREDIT
Allan Goebles
