How They Moved The Indiana Bell Building With Everyone In It

In 1930, the Indiana Bell building in Indianapolis became the centerpiece of an extraordinary engineering achievement that would leave a lasting impression on architectural and engineering history.

The Indiana Bell Telephone Company building, an 11,000-ton structure, was relocated in its entirety without halting operations or disrupting essential services. This feat, accomplished over the span of just over a month, remains a testament to human ingenuity, meticulous planning, and engineering prowess.

Indiana Bell Building

Originally constructed in 1907, the Indiana Bell building served as the headquarters for the Central Union Telephone Company. By 1929, Indiana Bell, a subsidiary of AT&T, had acquired the building. However, it quickly became clear that the structure was insufficient to meet the company’s growing needs.

Indiana Bell required a larger headquarters but faced a significant challenge: the existing building housed critical telephone exchange operations that could not be suspended without causing massive disruptions to communications across the region.

Rather than demolish the structure, the company decided on an ambitious alternative—relocating the building to an adjacent lot. This solution would allow construction of a new facility on the original site while ensuring that telephone services remained uninterrupted. The proposal, led by architect Kurt Vonnegut Sr., offered a unique solution to a seemingly impossible problem.

The Need for Relocation

The decision to relocate the building rather than demolish it was driven by practicality. The telephone exchange housed within the building was an essential hub for communications, and shutting it down was not an option. Demolition and reconstruction would have caused significant service interruptions, affecting businesses, emergency services, and residents. Moving the building while maintaining its operations presented a logistical and engineering challenge of unprecedented scale.

Engineering Challenges

The relocation of the Indiana Bell building involved overcoming immense technical hurdles. The eight-story structure weighed 11,000 tons and needed to be moved 52 feet south, rotated 90 degrees, and then shifted 100 feet west. Engineers had to ensure the building’s structural integrity throughout the process and maintain uninterrupted utility connections, including electricity, gas, water, and the vital telephone lines.

Additionally, the movement had to be precise. A miscalculation or structural failure could have catastrophic consequences for both the building and its operations. The engineers tasked with this monumental project had to combine innovative techniques with meticulous attention to detail to ensure success.

The Moving Process

The relocation began in October 1930 and spanned approximately 34 days. The process was divided into several critical stages. First, workers excavated around the building’s foundation and installed a grid of steel beams to support the structure. Utility lines were extended and made flexible to accommodate the movement of the building.

Once the building was prepared, it was lifted one-quarter inch off its foundation using 100-ton ratchet screw jacks. These jacks allowed for precise, incremental movements, shifting the building just 3/8 of an inch with each operation. The structure was placed on a system of rollers, enabling it to be moved gradually. At a rate of approximately 15 inches per hour, the building was rotated 90 degrees using cables attached to a stationary steam engine. Following the rotation, it was shifted to its final position 100 feet west.

Throughout the move, the building remained fully functional. Employees continued to work inside, and telephone services were not interrupted. A movable wooden sidewalk was constructed to allow safe entry and exit for occupants during the relocation process.

Maintaining Operations During the Move

One of the most remarkable aspects of the relocation was the uninterrupted operation of the building. The engineers ensured that all utility connections remained intact and functional throughout the process. Employees worked as usual, seemingly unbothered by the slow and steady movement of their workplace.

This feat required innovative solutions and meticulous coordination. The ability to maintain normal operations while relocating such a massive structure was a groundbreaking accomplishment that set a precedent for future engineering projects.

Outcome and Legacy

The relocation of the Indiana Bell building was completed with astonishing precision. The structure was placed within one-sixteenth of an inch of its intended final position, a testament to the engineers’ skill and meticulous planning. The success of this project allowed Indiana Bell to maintain essential services while constructing a larger headquarters on the original site.

The project remains a landmark in engineering history. It demonstrated that seemingly insurmountable challenges could be overcome with creativity, innovation, and careful execution. The relocation of the Indiana Bell building set a standard for structural relocation projects, inspiring engineers and architects for generations.

The relocation of the Indiana Bell Telephone Company building in 1930 stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers and workers who made it possible. This remarkable feat not only preserved essential communication services but also showcased the potential of engineering to solve complex problems with precision and creativity.

Today, the story of the Indiana Bell building serves as a reminder of the incredible accomplishments that can be achieved through human ingenuity. It remains a symbol of the innovative spirit that defines engineering and architecture, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible.