Hammond Block

The Hammond Block is a three-story commercial building with a trapezoidal shape at 301 Massachusetts Avenue. The structure features red brick walls, a limestone base, and cast iron decorative elements on its exterior.

The building was erected in 1874 by Rezin R. Hammond and served as the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1887 to 1891. This institution was a predecessor to the Indiana University School of Medicine.

The building displays Italian, Gothic, and Romanesque design elements that define 19th-century commercial architecture in Indianapolis. These styles appear in the red brick walls, limestone base, and cast iron decorative details across its facade.

The building sits just one block from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and is easily accessible. It remains an active commercial space downtown, so visiting during regular business hours is recommended.

Attorney Henry Price rescued the building from demolition in 1979 and it was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This preservation effort saved the historical structure for future generations.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 39.77139,-86.15361

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42