INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana War Memorial is one of Indianapolis' most scenic buildings, but you may have noticed an unsightly addition on its south side. A towering structure over its steps will likely remain there until at least September.

The structure is scaffolding which leads directly to the War Memorial's top room. Indiana War Memorials Commission director Stewart Goodwin explains it is a necessity for the construction work happening within the building.

"Some water had seeped through the roof and the ceiling is plaster...water and plaster don't mix," Goodwin said. "With the amount of labor it was going to take to carry things up the steps, and the time it would have taken to do that, time and money are what contractors are all about."

Goodwin estimates the scaffolding is at least 70 feet tall. He said he has noticed how curious visitors have become about the structure.
"It's funny what people think about it," Goodwin said. "We've even had people ask if we're building a wing onto the War Memorial."

Ash Loveday is also wondering what the scaffolding is there for.
"I actually went over there on top of the memorial and took some photos of it because it looked kind of cool," Loveday said. "I'd be surprised if anyone wasn't tempted to just walk on there. It'd be a great place to sit, I guess."

The public is not allowed to walk on the structure.
In addition to the work on the War Memorial, construction crews are also replacing the roof on the nearby American Legion headquarters.
-
Local organizations launch new support program for in-home childcare providers
A new initiative launched by Child Care Answers and the United Way of Central Indiana supports in-home daycare providers with resources they might not otherwise be able to afford.Morgan County authorities seek help finding suspected arsonist
Morgan County authorities seek public help finding arsonist who set fire destroying 4 homes on Colonial Drive in Camby early Sunday morning.1 dead in northeast Indianapolis shooting; 1 detained
One person has died following a shooting on Indianapolis' northeast side Sunday. A person of interest has been detained, police said.Colts rally past the Cardinals for a 31-27 win
Daniel Jones threw two touchdown passes and Jonathan Taylor ran 1 yard for the go-ahead score with 4:32 left, giving the Indianapolis Colts a 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.