Blair–Dunning House, Bloomington

Originally constructed in the 1820s as a farmhouse, the Blair–Dunning House has evolved over the years to become one of the city's most prominent houses. Nestled within one of Bloomington's neighborhoods, the Blair–Dunning House holds significant historical significance, once serving as the residence of the Governor of Indiana.

The original structure of the Blair–Dunning House features a rectangular brick design with a stone foundation, boasting two stories and a gabled roof. Notable architectural elements include large rectangular double-hung windows with limestone sills and lintels, a frieze with cornice, and corbelled chimneys on both ends. The house seamlessly blends elements of the Greek Revival and Federal styles, reflecting the prevailing architectural trends of its time.

Over the years, the Blair–Dunning House has undergone expansions and modifications, nearly doubling in size with the addition of wings on both the northern and southern sides in the late 1860s. These single-story additions mirror the original structure's design, featuring brick walls, gabled roofs, and stone window sills and lintels. Inside, the house exudes a sense of elegance and grandeur, with distinctive features such as 18-inch tall baseboards, fireplaces in every room with massive mantels, and lofty ceilings reaching 11 feet in height.

Recognized as one of Bloomington's most significant historic sites, the Blair–Dunning House was designated as a historic site by the city of Bloomington in 1979.