Six buildings named in 2021 Logansport Most Endangered list

May 7—The preservation group Logansport Landmarks released this year's list of the most endangered buildings for Historic Preservation month.

Some of the buildings are familiar because they've been on the list before.

The former St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, now owned by the Emmaus Mission, has been on the list since it began in 2016. The organization bought the property that includes the church building, rectory and former school in 1994.

Emmaus Director Jason Mitchell said the church could be off the list by next year.

"We've had in the works a potential buyer for that property," he said.

The buyer looked at the 161-year-old church last year and confirmed last month that he was still interested, although he's also concerned about the effect COVID-19 had on his other businesses.

He would want it for some sort of business opportunity and had considered a CrossFit gym, Mitchell said.

If that buyer doesn't come through, Emmaus has also been talking with Indiana Landmarks about listing it for sale with that organization.

Mitchell also talked with Logansport Building Commissioner Wayne Erwin about updates in building codes to inform potential buyers, and Emmaus' Board will address the building at its next meeting.

Emmaus will not let the bethel "stay put," Mitchell said.

Others properties have been taken off the Most Endangered list because of improvements or demolition.

The Greensfelder house at 806 E. Market St., which Cass County had actually condemned, is off this year because it's been bought and undergoing renovations, according to Logansport Landmarks' Communications Director Paul Willham.

Willham stated that while some properties have been on the list for years, the list seems to have made an impact and has drawn national attention for local historic properties.

"There are many bright spots in Logansport preservation efforts," he stated. "Numerous homes have been purchased throughout the city, and homes that have not received attention in years are now on a pathway to restoration."

That's millions of dollars invested in the city and property values continuing to increase, he added.

Logansport has lost the "blight equals bulldozer" mentality it had, "and the city government seems to realize that these properties have value," Willham stated.

Logansport Mayor Chris Martin, who has been preservation-minded, has seen the list, including The Cass County Memorial Home, which is jointly owned by Cass County and Logansport.

"Our administration will be working on the 'endangered list' and focus on preservation," Martin stated by email. "We are currently working with Cass County on a solution for the Memorial Home that does not include demolition. We encourage public input and support for preservation in the city and would like this information given directly to our office so we can assist in any way we can."

Here is the list of the 2021 Logansport Most Endangered homes:

1701 George St.

The list identifies the building as a "prime example of 'frame corner store architecture'" and states it has been neglected for more than a decade. It's in violation of city ordinances and needs serious intervention, according to Logansport Landmarks.

Former St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 805 Spencer St.

This has been on the Most Endangered list since the first list in 2016.

Logansport Landmarks describes it as "in serious condition, and immediate attention is required if this local and national landmark is to be saved."

The Cass County Memorial Home, 706 E. Market St.

This was put on the list in 2017.

Cass County and Logansport are supposed to share costs of upkeep for this World War I memorial, dedicated in 1922. The county and city have been going to court over the shared responsibilities for a few years.

"The continued dispute between the City of Logansport and Cass County has resulted in the continued decline of this historic landmark, in spite of the great interest of the community in saving it," the list states.

2108 North St., "Domicile Square"

"This property received national attention after it made our most endangered list in 2016," the list states. "The property was eventually sold to an out of town buyer, and work began, including the removal of its iconic colonnaded porch for restoration. All work has stopped on this property, and its building permits have expired. This property has been returned to this list, and, because of the present neglect, the historic carriage barn is in critical condition."

Former Elks Lodge, 430 North St.

This was added to the list in 2017. Nathan McCain of Indianapolis said his Wabash1 LLC company bought this building at a tax sale Feb. 12, 2018.

Although it's listed for sale, McCain is still considering fixing it up in spring 2022 but also looking for buyers who'll restore it and had turned down someone wanting to convert it to apartments.

The building was built in 1907 for Elks Lodge BPOE No. 66, but the Elks sold it in 2001 and moved to a smaller building.

The main floor includes a ballroom and bar area, and it was used for school dances, wedding receptions and other social events.

The Most Endangered List notes, "no buyer with a plan has come forward. There is optimism that a buyer can be found and an adaptive reuse and restoration of this property can take place."

823 Market St.

This was added to the list in 2018.

"This grand old home suffered a front porch collapse in 2018, and while that has been removed, the home continues its downward decline," according to the list. "Without new ownership this property, significant in architecture and history, is very much in danger of future demolition."

Reach James D. Wolf Jr. at james.wolf@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5117

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