After following the Igers Indy group on instagram account for months, I finally attended one of their monthly Instameets. This meet, dubbed #CircleCitySesh24, was held at the historic Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. We huddled under the clock in the Grand Hall at 3pm and after a brief intro from the Igers Indy creator we slapped some name tags on and began scanning the space for worthy instagram shots.
I'd been to this space before for the National Preservation conference but it looked wildly different without wall to wall people and exhibitors.
This time I saw details for days...
The "head house" of Union Station was built from 1886-1888 by Pittsburgh architect Thomas Rodd. With many characteristic elements of the Romanesque Revival style, and one could surmise that Rodd was quite familiar with HH Richardson's work. Union Station now houses the Crowne Plaza hotel along with other businesses.
I love Instagram. Besides keeping up with friends and family, I enjoy being introduced to unique people around the world, new restaurants to try, and places to shop. I appreciate it as a reminder of the everyday beauty in the ordinary... a walk around the town square, brunch on Sundays (if you follow me then you know), wildflowers, the list goes on.
This event was exciting and inspiring to me because it gathered so many young people most of which were probably unrelated to historic preservation. Without any prompting or education this group spent hours in an historic building, took photographs, and shared them with the world. I'm guessing most of the participants are not card carrying preservationists but because of this instameet a somewhat audience was introduced to historic preservation. They may not be chaining themselves to a building anytime soon but if nothing else I hope it got their wheels spinning.
I was horribly this go round; I swear I'll be more outgoing at the next one. To find out more info on these instameets follow @igersindy on instagram. Check out all the pics from our shoot at Union Station using #circlecitysesh24. If you want to see lots of buildings, baked goods, beer and more then follow me on instagram @emsontheroad.
Til next time - happy travels near and far.
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