Athenaeum Granted Historic Landmark Status

(Photo courtesy of The Athenaeum Foundation Inc.)

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A more than 100-year-old property in Indianapolis has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The Athenaeum Foundation says it has taken eight years to earn the status for the Athenaeum building. More than 40 landmarks in Indiana have received the designation.

Officials say a National Historic Landmark must be associated with major historic events or patterns or be associated with individuals who have made a significant or exceptional contribution to the history of the nation. It should also "represent a belief, or goal that is unique to the United States, be the key work of a nationally significant architect, must be located in a historic district and also recognized as a nationally significant archeological property."

No site in Indianapolis has received the designation in almost 15 years.

Athenaeum Foundation President Cassie Stockamp says "the Athenaeum is one of the most recognizable and historically significant buildings in Indianapolis. The architecture, the history – there is so much about this building that is deserving of this recognition, and we are proud that the day where we can call this building a National Historic Landmark is finally here."

The foundation is currently near its $1.2 million fundraising goal aimed at renovations and updates to some of the 94,000 square-foot structure. It is home to a YMCA, the Young Actors Theatre and the Rathskeller restaurant.

You can connect to more about the Athenaeum and the Foundation by clicking here.