First Christian Church Tower Restoration
Restoration Award
Louis Joyner Architect
Columbus, IN
First Christian Church, a National Historic Landmark by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, was completed in 1942, the first of many works of modern architecture in Columbus, Indiana. The church clock tower is a landmark in the skyline and an important part of the remarkable building and the urban composition, along with I. M. Pei’s nearby library and plaza.
In 1945, cracks appeared in the 166-foot tower, requiring frequent repairs to address excessive movement and water infiltration. In 2019, a new assessment recommended a comprehensive renovation.
The project team followed the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic properties and respected the Saarinens’ intent. In the upper third of the tower, flexure resulted in extensive cracking, delamination, and water infiltration. Stabilization required reconstruction of the entire grid, backed by masonry to transfer torsional forces. Limestone panels installed in the reconstructed grid mirror the design of long-gone concrete grilles. Other work included brick replacement, new anchors and ties, and concrete and crack repair. The historic door was restored, and robust ventilation manages excessive condensation. The $3 million project cost was offset by robust community support and grants from Partners for Sacred Places, the National Park Service, and Jeffris Family Foundation.
Jury Comments
It is wonderful to see that this modern landmark church is receiving such thoughtful care. It is a feature in the historic modernist town of Columbus.
Project Team Members
Louis Joyner, AIA / Louis Joyner Architect
Ellen Bowman, RA / Louis Joyner Architect
Fritz Herget, PE / Arsee Engineers
David Kroll, Assoc. AIA / RATIO Design
Anne Schneider, Assoc. AIA / RATIO Design
Samuel L. Hurt, PE / The Engineering Collaborative
Project Consultants
Arsee Engineers, Inc
RATIO Design
The Engineering Collaborative
Southern Indiana Housing & Community Development Corporation
F.A. Wilhelm Construction
Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Fdn.
Adam Reynolds Photography
Photo Credit / Adam Reynolds Photography / Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation / Hedrich Blessing (Eero Saarinen Collection (MS 593). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library).
