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.
-
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant coming to downtown Indianapolis
Semi-truck driver charged in death of Delaware County deputy posts $25K bond
A Delaware County judge has set a $25,000 bond for a semi-truck driver accused of hitting and killing Cpl. Blake Reynolds.
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant coming to downtown Indianapolis
Country music star Blake Shelton is bringing his restaurant chain, Ole Red, to the Circle City. The 37,000-square-foot venue is expected to open in late 2027.
Sunny but cooler Thursday, frosty weekend mornings
Much cooler conditions this morning as temperatures start out into the upper 30s and lower 40s. Below normal temperatures will continue as we begin the month of May with frost likely over the weekend.