Vera and the Olga

Vera and the Olga are two adjacent brick buildings with ten residential units each, built along Illinois Street with projecting bay windows and front porches. The structures feature symmetrical rows of three-bay-wide units organized around a central courtyard.

These buildings were constructed in 1901 and represent early twentieth-century urban architecture as Indianapolis expanded. They emerged during a period when the growing city needed new forms of residential housing.

These buildings show how city living changed during the industrial boom in Indianapolis. The layout reveals how residents lived side by side in organized family units.

The location sits on North Illinois Street within walking distance of downtown, making it accessible to explore the exterior. Visitors can view the facades and see how the residential complex is organized from the street.

The central courtyard in each building provided a shared meeting space where residents could gather without stepping onto the street. This internal design created a private community hub within the urban setting.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 39.78667,-86.15944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41