Wholesale District in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Vajen's Exchange Block

1872

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019

1. Vajen's Exchange Block Marker

Inscription. German immigrant and hardware merchant John H. Vajen constructed his commercial building on 124-126 North Pennsylvania Street in 1872. This building featured a three-story, cast-iron facade in the popular Italianate style. It housed retail shops and a grain exchange, represented by the stylized ears of corn on the end and center piers. Vajen's block was demolished in 1980 to make way for the Bank One Tower. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana dismantled and saved the facade. Eleven of the block's original thirteen bays were restored, reconstructed and integrated into Circle Centre.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 39° 45.91′ N, 86° 9.5′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in the Wholesale District. Marker is on South Meridian Street south of East Maryland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis IN 46225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Malott Building (here, next to this marker); Schnull-Rothschild Building (a few steps from this marker); The House of Crane (within shouting distance of this marker); McKee Building (about 300 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); South Meridian Street (about 300 feet away); Hibben, Hollweg & Company Building (about 300 feet away); The First Methodist Church in Indianapolis Was Built on this Site (about 300 feet away); Madame C.J. Walker (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019

2. Vajen's Exchange Block Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.