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.
-
Court docs detail moments before crash that killed football star Mason Alexander
The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office has filed a petition to transfer a teenager to adult court for involvement in the car crash that killed Mason Alexander.Real ID deadline is on Wednesday
If you are going to fly this week without a complaint ID, you should expect delays, extra screenings, and the possibility of not making it through security.Hancock Health Mobile Response Team expands services to youth
A critical service in Hancock County is expanding its free mental health resources to reach a population they told WRTV has been struggling in recent years.Pacers stun Cavs 121-112 in Game 1 of East semis
All five Indiana starters scored in double figures. Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam had 17 points apiece.