Exquisite Schwitzer Mansion, razed earlier this year. Some elements you see here are available for purchase.
You could have owned a beautifully crafted piece of architectural history… Art and architectural treasures from the recently razed 1930s Art Deco mansion built by Louis Schwitzer were available to become part of your home the weekend of of October 5, 2013.
Elements of Schwitzer Mansion salvaged and available for purchase.
You may recall from Libby Cierzniak’s article in May, that Louis Schwitzer was a legendary figure in the history of auto racing, as well as automotive design and engineering. In addition to winning the first automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909, he also pioneered advances now considered cornerstone components of automobiles today: the 6 cylinder engine and turbo-charger. There also continues to be an annual “Louis Schwitzer Award for Engineering Excellence,” presented by the Society of Professional Engineers to an individual or group involved with the Indianapolis 500.
This moderne stair railing was salvaged from the Schwitzer mansion
The Schwitzer mansion was designed by local architect Edwin Kopf, known for designing the marquee of the Vogue Theatre (on College Avenue in Broad Ripple) among other Indy places.
You too, may have been outraged a few months ago, over the destruction of this spectacular home. For better or worse, the owners of a property have the right to do with it as they wish. In this instance, at least the owners allowed many of the unique and beautiful elements to be removed rather than simply destroyed. These items may now go on to find new life elsewhere. The home was meticulously dismantled and significant art installations, features and museum-quality elements were salvaged.
Built-ins from Schwitzer mansion, salvaged
Some of the items salvaged and sold: fireplace mantels, aluminum door hardware, machine age lighting, designer plumbing fixtures, custom cabinetry, exotic limestone tiles, rare vitrolite panels, streamline railings, slab and panel doors, mirrored valances, chrome curtain rods, steel cased doors and windows, custom copper scuppers and guttering, and an amazing array of architectural design.
This and other hardware, salvaged from Schwitzer mansion.
For information, please visit www.antiquehelper.com or call 317-251-5635.
All in the gorgeous details. Salvaged from Schwitzer mansion, available this Saturday.
I can’t remember where this mansion was located…
Meridian Hills area.
I don’t think people can “do as they please” just because they have the $$$ or the wherewithall to buy a property…I think it is morally wrong to destroy something so beautiful, well-preserved, and a part of history…What could ever be built in it’s place that is “worth” destroying such a distinctive property?
Sadly, Ann, yes they can. Doesn’t make it feel right though, does it? No question there is nothing that can be built there that will compare with what was destroyed. Many hearts were broken on this one, but again, at least some pieces were salvaged. It’s a pitiful consolation, but it’s the only positive I’ve seen.
The most amazing home ! I took care of the masonry restoration for several years . The Maurer family owned it and raised their family here . About the nicest people I have ever came across. The father “Mickey ” had a huge impact on my life !
This place should have been made a landmark and preserved. I’m surprised no one made the move to do so (to my knowledge, at least?).
Even designating a home as a landmark cannot necessarily save it from the wrecking ball. Rights of the owner take precedence above all. Sadly, in cases like these.
Wow that’s so different from the UK. Our property is ‘listed’ and I have to get permission both nationally & locally to change flooring, move internal walls & you can virtually forget about extending. What a shame this beautiful building has been destroyed.
I had no idea this mansion existed! I worked for eight years during the 1980’s for the Schwitzer Corp. in the R&D lab. Started in turbos and then was made the entire labs welder and fabricator. Had I known of this house, and it’s subsequent demolition, I would have tried to buy some of the treasurers from it.
John Graves –
Just reading the article & comments. My father was Richard R. Morrow. I’m sure you must have known him – he was an engineer in R & D. I was reminiscing & thinking about all my dad’s accomplishments.
Susan Morrow Thompson
Just stumbled across this. So so sorry to see it was torn down. Ilene and Mickey were friends of ours. I adored the house and the kitchen was a professional kitchen all done in stainless steel. The front entrance was wonderful, that bronze with the beautiful patina. I did a rubbing of it and did a lithograph of the rubbing.
My old artist’s studio was in the Schwitzer Building. sigh!