PNC Bank, 333 Washington St.
Founded on March 23, 1865 as First National Bank. Its lineage remains as the oldest bank in Bartholomew County. It is still adorned with the original splendor of the Italian marble floors and accents, original brass teller cages, chandeliers and original brass check-writing stands.
Irwin Conference Center, 500 Washington St.
Wealthy industrialist and Cummins Engine Co. leader J. Irwin Miller and rising architect Eero Saarinen worked together to create a new idea about banks, steering from the fortress style buildings that came before. Irwin Union Bank and Trust Company in 1954 opened the first all-glass bank in America. In 2001, it was named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.
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Ryan and Tricia Brand home, 422 9th St.
Completed in about 1910, this bungalow style home has many of its original arts-and-crafts design elements. The single-family home was split sometime in the 1960s into a downstairs doctor’s office with an apartment above. Beginning a few years ago, a five-year major renovation returned this house to a single-family residence preserving the original siding, windows, floors and doors.
Zaharakos, 329 Washington St.
When three Greek brothers opened Zaharakos on Oct. 20, 1900, their entire families lived on the second floor above the soda fountain. It was occupied until 1914, after which it became storage. The space known as The Crystal Parlor isn’t open to the public except by appointment or invitation.
Administrative Resources association, 748 Franklin St.
This property has served many different functions since its construction in 1935. The Jacobethan Revival home was built as a model home for Frank Brockman. It was a cooperative effort of local builders and merchants designed to show what can be included in the modern home for a limited amount of money. From 1965 to 1998, the house was the location of two instrument music retailers. Then, in 1998, it served as a private residence and location of Stone House Antiques. ARA, a municipal non-profit consulting firm, purchased the property in 2010 for its offices, making minor renovations while striving to keep as much of the historic integrity as possible.
J. Irwin Miller’s personal office, 301 Washington St.
J. Irwin Miller used this office at 301 Washington for decades for his many business roles, and in 1958 he started Irwin Management Company as the family’s wealth management firm. Architect and friend Alexander Girard deftly brought Modern design to this 19th-century structure. In the mid-1960s, Girard oversaw a facelift of Washington Street façades. He had two interior projects at this space — J. Irwin Miller’s office and the reception area in 1962, and the remainder of the offices in 1972.
645 Lafayette St. garden
Enjoy a casual stroll through the many garden areas of this downtown home. Visitors may visit the front yard, back porch and pool area. Many perennials, annuals and heirloom plants grace this spacious garden.
Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 5th St.
Childhood home of J. Irwin Miller and Clementine Tangeman that most recently has been a bed-and-breakfast inn. This Victorian Renaissance home was built in 1864 for the Joseph I. Irwin family. Later it became the residence for Zack and Linnie Sweeney, W. G. Irwin’s and Hugh Miller’s families. Tangeman resided here until her 1996 death. The home details generous arches, stained glass and ornamental ceiling plasters. The Irwin Gardens, designed by architect Henry Phillips of Milton, Massachusetts, were added in 1920. The bronze elephant is a replica of the original bought by W.G. Irwin at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 3rd St.
This Italianate style home was built in 1864 for William and Mary Ann McEwen. William McEwen bought the land from the owners of the Liberty School and Meeting house for $150. The next two families who lived there were David and Samuel Samuels and James and Mary Marr. After a succession of owners, the home was turned into a rooming house. The historical society bought it in the 1960s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
County Courthouse, 234 Washington St.
The three-story, Second Empire French style structure was designed by Isaac Hodgson and built in 1874 at a cost of $250,000. It stands much the same as it did at its dedication in 1874. Most of the original interior spaces have been preserved even with remodeling in 1968 and interior restoration in 1998. The building still boasts the iconic six-story high, 154-foot bell tower with an illuminating night-time clock. In 1979, the Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reeves Homestead, 912 5th St.
Dating from 1915, highlights a prairie foursquare style. From 1880 to 1930, industry in Columbus was synonymous with the Reeves family.
Residence at 728 Franklin St.
The Italianate home was built in 1880 and designed by architect Aaron Hughes. Additional information will be provided during the tour.
Pollert Design Associates Inc., 724 Franklin St.
The award-winning, redesigned office was formerly three separate businesses with four separate exterior entrances. In 1997, that all changed as the renovation of this original 1870 family home turned into one office for the local interior design firm. Part of the renovation in 1997 was the exterior and garden as well. Includes original parquet wood flooring, unique front stairway.
