Historic Indianapolis buildings, heritage company focus of new photo collection

A new archival photo project focuses on the construction of some of the most historic buildings in Indianapolis.

The Jungclaus-Campbell construction company has nearly 150 years of history building in the city. Public historian and author Ed Fujawa knew he had something special when current, sixth-generation owner Bill Nagler showed him a collection of the company's photographs.

“The scope of their work in the city was so, so big and they had these fantastic images of all these projects, you know, these major landmarks,” Fujawa said.

The images show historic buildings in various stages of construction, some of the buildings include the Murat Temple, the Madame C.J. Walker Theater and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, now named Bottleworks.

Other construction photographs show how Monument Circle was shaped including the building of Circle Tower and the Columbia Club.

The University Library at IUPUI recently digitized the collections. Fujawa said some pictures allows for a closer look at the workers involved in the construction.

“You really get the sense of not only this significant landmark here in the city, but you also get to kind of look into the lives and, you know, the tasks, that these actual workers were doing on the project,” he said.

A discussion that digs into the company’s history and the significance of these historic buildings is scheduled at Indiana Landmarks Thursday night.

Fujawa said people who attend will walk away with a greater appreciation of the Jungclaus-Campell company that still operates in downtown Indianapolis.

“These landmarks, that they constructed the family's business, constructed here in the city,” Fujawa said, “but also, you know, the family's dedication to the city. I think it is something that people will hopefully take away from this whole discussion.”

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.