Brews, Food, and History

Harrison Albright, the architect of the West Baden Springs Hotel, designed the Columbus Pump House in 1901. The Pump House served the city’s water works until 1951, pumping water from the river for domestic use. It changed hands and use several times before it was adapted as the city’s Senior Center from 1976 until 2011.

The city solicited reuse proposals to capitalize on the landmark’s rich history and architecture, selecting developer Tony Moravec and Moravec Realty LLC to rehab the Pump House for Upland Brewing Company. Moravec’s track record — he restored and reopened Columbus’s beloved Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor — convinced officials he was the right person for the job.

The year-long rehabilitation of the building included a new roof, repairs to exterior metalwork, improved landscaping, and a complete rehab of the interior. The repurposed industrial landmark is a family friendly venue, serving both Upland’s beers and a seasonal menu.

To ensure long-term preservation of the Pump House, the city donated a preservation easement to Indiana Landmarks before it sold the building. The easement requires Indiana Landmarks to approve all exterior changes — a move that will protect the building’s architectural character, now and long into the future, regardless of the owner.

For more information about the Columbus Pump House project or Indiana Landmarks’ easement program, contact Mark Dollase, Vice President of Preservation Services, 317-639-4534 or mdollase@indianalandmarks.org.

Check out Upland Brewing Company in Columbus, at http://uplandbeer.com/locations/columbus-pump-house/