In the late 1930's, after spending the first six years of his career teaching at the University of Illinois, Mr. George Fink was commissioned to design the structure for the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum.

Upon completion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum in December 1944, George Fink and Leroy Roberts formed a partnership to practice structural engineering in Indianapolis. In its early years, the firm served as a consultant to architects, engineers, fabricators and contractors on medium to large industrial building projects.

In September of 1952, Russ Petrie joined the firm and the partnership was renamed Fink Roberts & Petrie. As a partnership of three, and particularly with George Fink's expertise in steel design and Russ Petrie's expertise in concrete design, the firm began to acquire a great reputation for quality structural designs. In the mid 1950's, the firm broadened its practice to include highway and bridge design as well as storm sewer design. FRP began to establish its reputation for quality design in the civil engineering field as well. During that period, FRP became the exclusive structural and civil engineer for all projects at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1958, the firm was incorporated.

The 1960's led to FRP establishing itself as a highly respected consulting engineering firm involved in large projects such as the City-County Building in Indianapolis, the original phase of the Indiana Convention Center, and the Indiana interstate highway system. The firm began to pick up signature architectural projects such as Clowes Hall at Butler University.

The 1970's saw continual growth of the company's staff to meet the needs of an increasing list of repeat clients - Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Eli Lilly & Company, Indiana University, Indiana Department of Transportation, the City of Indianapolis and several local architectural firms.

In the 1980's and 90's, the industry began to alter its traditional ways of project delivery. Fast-track construction, construction management, and design/build were new processes with more demanding schedules and delivery expectations. FRP was early to adapt and earn respect for efficiently working with these new delivery methods, strengthening the company's position for selection on complex and high-profile projects. During these two decades, FRP continued to provide structural engineering for numerous large-scale, complex projects throughout central Indiana and the surrounding states for many repeat clients. Athletic facilities and stadiums were added to FRP's growing portfolio, the most significant of which being the new Hoosier Dome for the new NFL football team in Indianapolis.

In the mid 90's frp expanded its speedway experience to the west coast. For three years in a row, FRP led the design effort in three of the most prestigious racetracks built in the country. FRP's scope of services even spread to locations as far away as China. Locally, FRP completed a number of large-scale civic projects in this decade, including Indianapolis Circle Centre, the Indiana State Office Building, and the second expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. FRP's client list of nationally recognized architects continued to grow as the company's engineering services were extended into a number of other states.

FRP has moved into the 21st century with continued dedication to serving our diverse base of clients. Recent notable architectural projects include the Indiana State Museum, the new Indianapolis Airport Midfield Terminal and concourses, Lucas Oil Stadium, and another major expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. While maintaining focus on architectural work, FRP has also developed a large portfolio of project expertise in other markets such as parking garages, industrial facilities, warehouses, and water & wastewater projects. FRP knows structural engineering, and we look forward to serving our clients for decades to come with the same expertise and dedication that has made the company successful.