Walter S. Blackburn and Blackburn Architects Architectural Records Collection

Born on February 21, 1938, to Dr. Cleo W. Blackburn and Fannie Scott Blackburn, Walter Scott Blackburn was known for his architectural work in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. He lived in his native state of Indiana for the majority of his life. After studying engineering at Purdue University for a time, Walter transferred to Howard University School of Architecture where he graduated in 1963. It was here that he met his future wife and business partner, Alpha Coles. They would go on to have three children: sons Chi and Anthony and daughter Sydney. After graduating, the couple moved back to Indianapolis, where Walter wanted to open his own firm. In 1967, he became a registered architect and finally started Blackburn Architects with Alpha in 1981.

Walter and Alpha both won national awards for their work and were recognized for their accomplishments. Walter would go on to receive numerous awards and positions including the title of Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1990, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Howard University along with Alpha, the 1998 Edward Pierre Award from the Indiana chapter of the AIA, visiting professor at Ball State University, and member of the Board of the National Institute of Building Sciences in 1992. As an African-American architect, he chaired the AIA’s Diversity Taskforce in 1992 and was soon promoted to vice president. Some of his most respected works are the Grace Apostolic Church, the Artsgarden at Circle Center, and the RCA Dome, all of which are (or were) in Indianapolis. One of the final projects Walter completed was the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, a commission he and Alpha won. In addition to his work as an architect, Walter was an active member of the Indiana Arts Commission. He passed away on August 9, 2000.

Blackburn Architects’ work encompassed a wide range of design services including architecture, planning, interior design, and public art planning. Their clients included universities such as Butler and Purdue, public schools, churches, hospitals, and transportation organizations. The firm as a whole has been awarded several honors for their designs. Alpha took over as president of Blackburn Architects once Walter passed away, but the firm has now closed.