Keywords
United States
Stonework
Traditional building
Stone carving
How to Cite
Abstract
This essay examines the contemporary use of Indiana limestone, a material employed in the United States for over two centuries for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Three recent Classical projects illustrate its versatility: the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Tampa (2018), featuring a Doric portico with monumental columns and carved reliefs; Christ Chapel in Michigan (2019), where massive limestone columns and entablatures support an unreinforced masonry dome; and Capstone Classical Academy in Fargo (2025), with an Ionic facade, inscriptions, and sculptural reliefs. In these applications, Indiana limestone serves as cladding, load-bearing masonry, or sculptural detail, demonstrating technical performance, dimensional stability, and an enduring capacity to embody Classical proportion and ornament in demanding climates.
References
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