Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — Historic buildings in Salem and Jasper are among the 11 properties statewide sharing in $712,989 in preservation funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Historic Renovation Grant Program.
“Historic structures are some of the most powerful storytellers in Hoosier communities,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in the Nov. 18 announcement. “The preservation of historic properties is integral to retelling Indiana’s history to future generations. This funding will help ensure communities can continue their Hoosier tradition and stories for years to come.”
Andrea Kern, OCRA director of strategic initiatives noted the program is in its fifth year and has transitioned to become a competitive grant program rather than awarded funds on a first-come, first-served basis. The Historic Renovation Grant Program received more than 50 applications with requests totaling more than $3.2 million. Applications were scored based on appropriate historical criteria, extensive support from local residents, and the economic impact the project would have on the greater community.
In Salem, Lisa M. Fleming was awarded $100,000 to preserve the Odd Fellows Building. The brick building with Italianate limestone details has three stories and a unique limestone cellar stretching across 12,000 square feet. In 1897, the Salem Lodge #67 of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows was built for the use of the organization and leased space to others. The property is planned to have an event center, office space, retail and internet sales, and possibly a restaurant or tavern. Eight full-time and 24 part-time jobs will be created from the building’s three new businesses.
In Jasper, the Nohr Building, built in 1875 as a hotel was awarded $51,671 to restore the original lapboard siding façade and the storefront. Three housing units will be created, supporting the city’s need for short-term housing. The building is the last remaining wood structure in the Jasper Downtown Historic District. The Nohr Building houses three commercial spaces on the main floor and three one-bedroom units on the upper floor, which will be used as short-term rentals.
Other recipients around the state include the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana, $26,400; Honeywell Plumbing and Heating in Wabash, $27,858; Auburn Automotive Company Administration Building in Auburn, $100,000; Hong Kong Kitchen in Madison, $27,840;PR Mallory Company Factory in Indianapolis, $85,000;ANCO Factory in Valparaiso, $100,000; Willkie House in Rushville, $29,120; RomWeber Marketplace in Batesville, $79,463; and Prewitt Theater in Plainfield, $85,637.
“These Historic Renovation Grant Program projects will make a lasting impact on their local communities and on our state,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “These 11 properties will preserve the history of Indiana while supporting local economic development.”
Eligible properties for this grant program must be at least 50 years old and either listed on the register of Indiana historic sites and structures, be listed or eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places, or be listed as a contributing resource in a National Register District.
Eligible applicants include non-profits, individuals, partnerships, firms, associations, joint ventures, limited liability companies, corporations or non-profit affordable housing organizations. Awarded properties will receive funding for the renovation and preservation of exterior features.