Special Projects


August 2009 After the Storm

Following the storm damage the spring of 2006 Blakley’s was awarded the contract to install a new exterior skin over the existing 36-story skyscraper at the Indiana Square building also known as Regions Bank.

Blakley’s worked closely with FA Wilhelm Contractors, Indianapolis and Gensler Architects, San Francisco.

Following months of meetings and an inordinate amount of shop drawings exploring creative engineering concepts a plan was put in place to install a new facade system to be installed twenty one inches out from the original building envelope. Window based heating and air conditioning will remain in place.  

The new shiny gray exterior is now complete and work begins on the inside. Blakley’s will start working from the inside on the 36th floor working down to remove the original glass and curtain wall systems. FA Wilhelm will then connect the original surround to the new curtain wall.

Weather permitting, scaffolding moved up and down 36 stories as mechanics installed 3712 window frames measuring 51/2’ by 17’. Wet weather and wind were the biggest problems to completing the new exterior. The panels could not be set in wet conditions and the platform scaffolding is not operable when the wind is above 30 mph.

The building has remained occupied during this extensive repair and renovation. Crews will work night shifts to avoid disturbing office workers to complete the interior modifications. 

• A GLASS ACT: The last of 3,712 glass panels, each 5 1⁄2 by 17 feet, was hoisted in place Tuesday on the 36-story skyscraper, completely covering the badly damaged old facade. Workers started the job in June 2007, more than a year after the April 2006 storm.

• NEXT UP: Workers from Indianapolis glazing company Blakley Corp. will take out their glass cutter and remove the old windows from the inside, starting from the top floor.

• OCCUPANCY: The tower is about 67 percent leased with more than 30 tenants. It was built in 1970.

• PROJECT'S COST: Not disclosed.

• ARCHITECT: Gensler, San Fransico

• OWNERS: One Indiana Square Associates (Mickey and Todd Maurer, Indianapolis; McKnight Group, Pittsburgh