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Lawrence Criterium
Criterium Bicycle Race
Lawton Loop
Lawrence, In

 Presented by
Rapid Running Event Management
Lawrence, In
August 1, 2010

Criterium Bicycle Race-Aug 1, 2010 10am-4pm

Fort Harrison was the city’s major military facility before its closing in the 1990s. Beginning in 1902, the fort served in a training capacity for two World Wars, the Cold War, Vietnam War, and other U.S. actions. For many central Indiana men, the fort was a point of induction into or release from military service. It remains an excellent example of military facility planning from the early 20th-century and includes many of its original 1902-10 era buildings.

In the wake of the Spanish American War, Congress established a series of regimental infantry posts to accommodate a vastly enlarged U.S. Army. In 1902, Congress established Fort Benjamin Harrison, and the Army began land acquisition in then rural Lawrence Township, northeast of downtown Indianapolis.

The U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps used standardized building plans for the officers' housing, barracks, barns, and service buildings of the fort. Construction began in 1906, with most buildings finished by 1910. Other portions of the fort, extending to the north, saw construction of barracks in the interwar period. Sergeant’s Row, a series of doubles facing 56th Street, was added in 1931.

The land-use planning of the fort is practical, and perhaps unexpectedly, very aesthetically pleasing.

In the 1990s, Fort Harrison was decommissioned. Private development has been allowed to use excess parts of the fort, adding new neighborhoods. Former officer housing and barracks have been rehabilitated for private use. The military still maintains a small portion of the site and the 1950s finance center across 56th Street. Much of the grounds were kept in a natural state during the Army’s stewardship of the base. The State of Indiana acquired this portion, along with the former Officer’s Club. Fort Harrison State Park is open to the public and includes hiking and horseback trails, golf, and dining facilities at the former Officers' Club.

About Lawton Loop

Lawton Loop, a naturalistic, roughly U-shaped drive, is lined with brick and stone-trimmed officers’ quarters, now converted to private housing. Former barracks buildings were sited along the east side of the drill grounds. The street pattern changes to a more utilitarian grid in the service areas to the east.

At Lawton Loop you'll find a community of unparalleled balance between historic charm and modern convenience. As the model centerpiece of the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison redevelopment, Lawton Loop Condominiums preserve the future of community tradition. Situated on a distinctive parade field near all amenities, these residences offer a unique living experience with all the richness of a turn-of-the-century neighborhood.

The historic character of Lawton Loop offers residents and visitors a welcoming retreat. Elegant architecture, natural landscaping and modern conveniences define a unique sense of community unparalleled in the Indianapolis area. Situated on Lawton Loop parade field, residents and visitors of Lawton Loop will enjoy all the amenities the Fort has to offer. 1,700 acres of adjoining green space feature a lush state park and challenging 18 hole golf course. Jogging trails, riding stables, lakes and nature trails are all within a short walk. Also convenient to the Loop are a commerce park, Lawrence City Center, Community Hospital Medical Pavilion and the Benjamin Harrison YMCA.

Located in Lawrence, on the Northeast side of Indianapolis, the Fort is within minutes of the interstate system and is convenient to downtown Indianapolis.