Ben-Hur Building, Crawfordsville

A National Headquarters In Crawfordsville

The Tribe of Ben-Hur, a fraternal benefit organization inspired by Lew Wallace's novel, commissioned a headquarters that matched its national ambitions. Designed by Herbert L. Bass & Co. of Indianapolis, the building opened at Main and Water streets in 1911.

It combined organizational offices, meeting rooms, shops, and civic activity. A 1940 renovation replaced the original white-tile exterior with black marble, leaving the building with two important design periods rather than one frozen moment.

Vacancy And Restoration

After falling vacant in 2006, the building suffered roof failure, water damage, and extensive interior deterioration. Several redevelopment attempts failed before AP Development LLC began a comprehensive rehabilitation.

The $13 million project retained major historic spaces and details, installed new systems and an accessible entrance, and created 49 apartments. The restored boardroom became a short-term rental, keeping a distinctive organizational room legible within the new program.

A Model With Evidence Behind It

The rehabilitation was completed in June 2025, and more than 1,000 people attended the reopening. Indiana Landmarks awarded the project its 2026 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration.

The building offers a concrete comparison for other vacant downtown landmarks: sustained local support, state and federal tax credits, careful restoration, and a viable housing program worked together rather than arriving as isolated interventions.