Ridgeway Building

Ridgeway Building. The Ridgeway Building is a prominent structure known for its distinctive architectural design and significant role within its urban context. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, it has served various institutional and commercial purposes throughout its history. Its enduring presence and adaptive reuse make it a notable landmark in the city's architectural and cultural landscape.

History

The construction of the building commenced in the 1910s, a period marked by significant growth in the city's Central Business District. It was initially commissioned to house the headquarters of the Ridgeway Manufacturing Company, a firm that played a key role in the region's early industrial development. During the Great Depression, the structure was acquired by the Federal Works Agency and used for administrative offices supporting New Deal projects. Following World War II, ownership transferred to the University of the State system, which utilized it for decades as a satellite campus for its School of Engineering. In the late 1990s, the property was purchased by the Meridian Property Group, leading to a comprehensive renovation that adapted the interior for modern commercial tenancy while preserving its historic facade.

Architecture

Designed by the noted firm Harrison & Abramovitz, the building is a prime example of the Art Deco style blended with early Modernist architecture influences. Its exterior is characterized by vertical emphasis, achieved through the use of alternating bands of Indiana limestone and dark terracotta, culminating in a stepped-back crown typical of pre-setback ordinance towers. The main entrance features intricate bronze doors and a lobby adorned with WPA-era murals depicting scenes of industry and progress, created by artist Thomas Hart Benton. The structural system utilizes a Steel frame with Reinforced concrete floors, representing the transition in construction techniques of the era. Original interior details, such as marble wainscoting, brass fixtures, and herringbone patterned terrazzo floors, have been meticulously restored.

Current use

Today, the building operates as a Class A mixed-use property, managed by CBRE Group. Its upper floors are occupied by prestigious law firms, including Dewey & LeBoeuf, and technology incubators like TechStars. The ground floor houses retail tenants such as a flagship store for Apple Inc. and a popular café operated by Blue Bottle Coffee Company. The building also serves as the North American headquarters for the World Wildlife Fund, which leases two full floors. Regular public events, including architectural tours organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and art exhibitions curated by the Museum of Modern Art, are held in the grand lobby and adjacent atrium spaces.

Notable features

Among its most celebrated elements is the fully restored, manually operated Otis Elevator Company elevator bank, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the City Hall and the Riverfront Park, and is a sought-after venue for events. A hidden sub-basement contains a preserved Speakeasy from the Prohibition in the United States era, discovered during renovations. The building's clock tower, illuminated at night, features a four-faced Seth Thomas Clock Company timepiece and remains a focal point in the city's skyline. An innovative geothermal heating system was integrated during the 1990s retrofit, making it a pioneer in sustainable design for historic structures.

Location and access

The building is situated at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Commerce Street, squarely within the city's historic Financial District. It is directly served by the Grand Central Station subway station, providing access to the Red Line and Blue Line trains. Multiple Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus routes, including the M5 and M15, stop within one block. The location is within walking distance of major attractions like Liberty Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Convention Center. For vehicular access, it is adjacent to the Interstate 95 corridor and offers valet parking services, while a Citi Bike docking station is located at its plaza.