Patterns: Layers, Part 2

Crews are continuing their work to repair and restore 

the columns on the old Indiana National Bank. 

Over the years, some of the marble slabs 

encasing the columns have loosened and fallen off, 

then been replaced piecemeal.

Last year, work began to stabilize and restore 

all of the columns. Crews have been working their

way around the building to remove

the marble slabs. They then have been installing

a steel framework that support what

looks like treated plywood panels. Once the

panels are in place, each column

is primed and coated with a substance

that will provide a better surface to adhere

the marble slabs.

At least, that is what I've been led to

believe is planned; I cringe to think that all

the work done on this iconic (for Indy!) building 

will result in a big faux-surface paint job!

Layers

Workers are painstakingly restoring/renovating/repairing 

the exteriors of the pillars of the old 

Indiana National Bank building. I think the

current bank tenant is Planters, but the names have

changed so much over the years, I lose track.

Anyway ... the pillars used to be sheathed in white

marble, sheets of which have, over the years,

 loosened and fallen off. There are sheets that have

been strapped into place and, boy, are they ugly:

not only are the straps unsightly, but the grain

of the sheets are at right angles to the vertical pattern

of the other sheets of marble. I wince

every time I look at them.

So now, the entire surface is being redone.

The many layers of waterproofing and added

structure for hanging the new "marble"

sheathing can be seen in the photos.

I hope the changes stick.

Looking East at the Sunset

Again, waiting for the bus at the corner of Ohio and 

Pennsylvania Streets on Tuesday evening, 

I was sitting in the shadows of the Federal Court Building 

when I noticed the shapes and colors made by the setting sun 

on the windows and marble sheathing of the

Regions Bank across the street.