Statement of Significance (as of designation - April 19, 1994):
This is one of the finest Greek Revival structures in America. The house was built between 1840-44 for James Lanier, a prominent Indiana banker who went on to become an international financier; it was designed by architect-builder Francis Costigan, an obscure craftsman who appeared in the Ohio Valley early in the 19th century and who depended on pattern books published by established eastern architects such as Minard Lefever and Asher Benjamin. The Lanier House is one of Costigan's masterpieces.

Condition:
The mansion is in good condition.

The kitchen wing of the mansion is in the process of being restored to its appearance during the residency of Lanier. This involves removing the l. 19th century Mansard roof and the projecting bay on the south elevation as well as undoing l. 19th century interior configuration changes. Thomas Gordon Smith is serving as consultant for this work and the Division of Museum and Historic Sites has submitted the work plan to the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board and received approval to proceed.