What is it about old buildings – particularly homes – that is so intriguing? Could it be the idea of what the walls would speak of if they could talk? What stories would they tell? Could it be the fascination of times long past, which an old home allows us to almost step into? Whatever it is, it’s a strong feeling here at Only In Your State, and if you’re also a fan of old, historic homes, you’re going to love the Allison Mansion in Indiana. It’s a truly interesting slice of Hoosier State history, nestled right in the heart of Indianapolis.

It goes by two names: “Allison Mansion” and “Riverdale.”

Allison Mansion/Google Local No matter what you call it, it’s extraordinary inside and out. Though public tours are no longer a thing, the house can be booked for events.

…and let us tell you, as soon as you walk in you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a grandiose setting of long ago.

Allison Mansion/Google Local The mansion is nothing short of breathtaking, with ornate and elaborate wood and marble carvings alongside incredible craftsmanship everywhere you look.

It’s an Arts and Crafts-style home, which was a popular design trend from the late 1800s into the early 1900s.

Allison Mansion/Google Local Its construction was commissioned by auto racing pioneer James Allison sometime between 1911 and 1914, and it couldn’t be more perfect. Every nook and cranny has been paid special attention to, and as a result, the mansion is brilliant from top to bottom.

Allison was, and is to this day, a particularly well-known Hoosier: he was one of the co-founders of the Indy 500, as well as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself! Talk about a legend.

Allison Mansion/Google Local The mansion is two floors of no-holds-barred elegance, even going as far as to include an aviary within the home for Allison’s first wife, complete with artisan stained-glass windows and marble walls and floors.

The mansion also features a gorgeous chandelier imported from Germany, and a music room containing an incredible two-story-tall pipe organ…among other things.

Allison Mansion/Google Local Allison passed away in 1928, and suddenly, the entire future of the mansion was up in the air. What would become of the red-brick work of art?

At some point, the grounds were acquired by the Sisters of Saint Francis.

Allison Mansion/Google Local Today, Allison Mansion is a part of Marian University and sits, relatively unchanged and in its original state, on university grounds.

It may not offer tours to the public anymore, but it does represent an important period and figurehead of Hoosier State history.

Indianapolis, Indiana/Google Local

The Allison Mansion in Indiana is an important part of the state’s history, and it offers a glimpse of the elaborate lives some folks of the past have lived. It’s an interesting little window, and we’re glad it’s been preserved exactly as-is, or should we say as-was?

Allison Mansion/Google Local

No matter what you call it, it’s extraordinary inside and out. Though public tours are no longer a thing, the house can be booked for events.

The mansion is nothing short of breathtaking, with ornate and elaborate wood and marble carvings alongside incredible craftsmanship everywhere you look.

Its construction was commissioned by auto racing pioneer James Allison sometime between 1911 and 1914, and it couldn’t be more perfect. Every nook and cranny has been paid special attention to, and as a result, the mansion is brilliant from top to bottom.

The mansion is two floors of no-holds-barred elegance, even going as far as to include an aviary within the home for Allison’s first wife, complete with artisan stained-glass windows and marble walls and floors.

Allison passed away in 1928, and suddenly, the entire future of the mansion was up in the air. What would become of the red-brick work of art?

Today, Allison Mansion is a part of Marian University and sits, relatively unchanged and in its original state, on university grounds.

Indianapolis, Indiana/Google Local

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Address: 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA