Dating from the year 1900, the Riverside Pumping Station is a relic from a time when civic pride extended to facilities that we now take for granted. It’s a little-known jewel, located on Waterway Boulevard just northwest of IUPUI’s campus. It is still in use today by the Indianapolis Water Company. A decade ago, I worked across the street and marveled at it from afar, but it’s even more impressive up close. This was actually the first time I’ve seen it from this distance.
Oh wow, I’ve never seen that building before. I really hope that we can get back to the days of civic pride as opposed to the current attitude not wanting to pay for anything.
Looks like a lot of extra space in there. I wonder if it could be used for events or something. I know it sounds far-fetched…but the pumping station at the Chicago water tower, still functioning, has a visitor center and theater in it (albeit in a much more prime location).
I love that building. Ride by it frequently on the trail heading up to the Velodrome. Have you seen the Fort Wayne water plant?
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/three-rivers-filtration-plant.html
Yes, I’ve been past that plant many times, my grandma lived on the northeast side of downtown, so you get a pretty decent view of it from the Columbia Street bridge.
I’ve always enjoyed this building whenever riding the bike along that strech of the White River. Never seen the Chicago one turned theater, but I always envision such a building as a huge public beer hall or something. That would return us back to times of civic pride! Love the windows especially.
Guys! I was a summer temp for the Indianapolis Water Co. in the early 70’s! I was stationed out of this facility! Ate lunch MANY times on the roof on one of the real-corner balls overlooking the south side of the station! You should have SEEN some of the inner piping! she is a proud – old girl!
Rex Frew
Could this be used for a event for 150 guest
I was 18 years, old,fresh out of high school,and the youngest person to be hired as a Oiler Operator in this grand old facility back in the early 70s. I worked with some very great people,working all shifts. My father spent around 18 years working there also as a Oiler Operator.Paul Lemaster, walter Mehan, and Ed Spencer were the department heads. Earle Shepard, Herb Robbins,Paul Terry,Fred Dufeck, & Jimmy Price were just a few of the great folks that I worked with! There were some pretty good stories that could be shared to any interested parties!Some of these stories would be pretty hard to believe, but were all true and I experienced quite a few during my years there!
Thank you for that nice comment.