…but personal interpretation can often be so.
The above is a quote from Alexander Girard, an American design icon.
At school, I am a member of the campus architecture club. The only Gen Ed student in the club (all others are in the architecture degree program), I’ve been elected Secretary. Recently, the club went on a trip to Columbus, Indiana.
In 2012, this small town was named as the 6th most architecturally significant town by the American Institute of Architects. Why? Read on, and we’ll explore. First, though, let’s talk beer.
In 2012, this small town was named as the 6th most architecturally significant town by the American Institute of Architects. Why? Read on, and we’ll explore. First, though, let’s talk beer.
Columbus, funnily enough, is home to a microbrewery- Power House Brewing Co.. Originally attached to the Columbus Bar, the brewery has had an exciting history. 
First, I tried their Pink Houses, a hibiscus wheat. It strongly reminded me of Boulevard’s Hibiscus Gose, with a predominant salt flavor. I wasn’t getting much of the wheat, sadly, but it was still a tasty beer.
Next, I paired their Diesel Oil stout with a brownie sundae! The beer had a very light mouthfeel and smelled strongly of cocoa, while maintaining a very dominant and surprising bitterness.
First, I tried their Pink Houses, a hibiscus wheat. It strongly reminded me of Boulevard’s Hibiscus Gose, with a predominant salt flavor. I wasn’t getting much of the wheat, sadly, but it was still a tasty beer.Next, I paired their Diesel Oil stout with a brownie sundae! The beer had a very light mouthfeel and smelled strongly of cocoa, while maintaining a very dominant and surprising bitterness.
I look forward to returning to Power House and picking up a growler! The only thing keeping me from grabbing one this time was the staggering amount of Columbus souveniers I had already purchased.
You might still be saying “Caroline, what’s so dang special about Columbus, Indiana?“
Well, hold onto your hats. Many of my readers are from Saint Louis. You know that beautiful steel monument we’re all so proud of?
Yeah, that one. The Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen. Eero’s father, Eliel, was also an architect. Columbus contains buildings designed by both Eliel and Eero.
Yeah, that one. The Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen. Eero’s father, Eliel, was also an architect. Columbus contains buildings designed by both Eliel and Eero.
Perhaps Eliel Saarinen’s best known Columbus structure (and one of the buildings I was fortunate enough to tour) is the First Christian Church. Built in 1942, it’s one of the first contemporary churches to be built in the United States and is a stunning example of 1940’s architectural style. Fun fact, it’s honestly a miracle the building was even completed; due to its steel-heavy design, the plans were almost scrapped so the steel could be donated to the war effort.
Eero’s most phenominal contribution to Columbus would come later, and would be a collaboration between himself, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley (whom Saarinen had worked with on the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial).
First, a bit of backstory. Columbus is home to the Cummins Diesel plant and one of the presidents of the company, J. Irwin Miller, launched the Cummins Foundation, which helps underwrite architectural fees so that Columbus can continue to be the stunning architectural mecca that it is. Miller commissioned Saarinen to design a home for his growing family, and the result is truly spectacular. The grounds are, to this day, immaculately maintained. The children’s bedrooms are all unique, yet unified in theme. The tour routinely sells out every weekend, and while a bit strict (no photography of the interior, and stay on the carpet runners if you know what’s good for you), it is utterly breathtaking.
I’ll close with Columbus’s town motto, which perfectly encapsulates my first experience with this beautiful city:
I’ll close with Columbus’s town motto, which perfectly encapsulates my first experience with this beautiful city:
"Unexpected. Unforgettable.”
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