First Christian TOWER RESTORATION

The tower of First Christian Church is a 165 foot tall mass masonry structure, one of the defining features of the National Historic Landmark-designated church campus by Eliel and Eero Saarinen. In 2018 it was found to have extensive cracks, water damage, and other areas of failure.

Historic research found that cracking had led to significant concern within three years of its completion, and major repairs had been made at intervals since then. An assessment of the structure found that the tower had required major repairs over the years-starting as recommended a major renovation that would address extensive cracking, delamination of the outer wythe, damage from water infiltration, and a host of other problems.

The ten month renovation included significant reconstruction of the upper portion of the tower, extensive masonry repair, and replacement of failed plastic panels with new limestone panels that based on design of the original precast concrete grilles. Other work included interior masonry and concrete repair, limestone restoration new electrical and plumbing systems. A robust ventilation system was added to counteract historic damage.

Funding for the project came from the congregation, community, and major grants from the Save America’s Treasures program of the National Park Service, the Jeffris Family Foundation, and Partners for Sacred Places.

More information and photos can be found at:

https://savingplaces.org/stories/after-years-of-infiltration-from-the-elements-a-modernist-hotspots-iconic-tower-is-restored

https://fccoc.org/tower/

https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16758-tower-at-eliel-saarinen-designed-first-christian-church-soars-again-after-32-million-restoration

https://www.archpaper.com/2024/02/first-christian-churchs-clock-tower-restored-columbus-indiana/

https://www.therepublic.com/2024/02/12/entire-first-christian-tower-project-now-complete/

https://christianstandard.com/2023/11/first-christian-tower-refurbishment-nearly-complete/

https://archinect.com/news/article/150417681/restoration-of-saarinen-designed-first-christian-church-tower-completed-in-columbus-indiana

https://www.fawilhelm.com/projects/first-christian-church-tower-rehabilitation/

https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/columbus-skyline-getting-a-33m-restoration

https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2023/11/securing-the-future-of-a-modernist-icon/

https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/the-preservation-fight-to-save-two-saarinen-churches-in-columbus-indiana/

https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/eliel-and-eero-saarinens-1942-church-renovation-louis-joyner-architect

https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/headlines/saving-the-tower

https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/columbus-skyline-getting-a-3.3-million-restoration-makeover.php

Photographs: Hedrich Blessing, Louis Joyner, Arsee Engineers