2007 Endangered Structures List

Goals of the Endangered Structures Program:
1. Identify structures that are in distress.
2. Encourage preservation and restoration of endangered structures.
3. Assist owners of endangered buildings whenever appropriate.
4. Create public awareness of structures that could be lost.
5. Prevent demolition of historic buildings, structures or sites.

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Ford Rowhouses c.1890
425 & 427 N. 5th St, Centennial Neighborhood

The north two bays of these century-old rowhouses were sold in 2005. The new owner has done nothing with them. The Ford Rowhouses contribute significantly to the character and charm of the neighborhood,
and complement the adjacent infill rowhouses constructed in the 1990's. As urban residential living makes a comeback in Lafayette, the rehabilitation of historic buildings becomes an attractive alternative to demolition. As two single family homes, these would contribute nicely to the neighborhood.

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Grandview Cemetery Building  c.1903
Top of Salisbury Street Hill, West Lafayette

This unusual small stone building is located on the grounds of the Grandview Cemetery.  Its condition is deterioating, the windows are boarded up, and it is used to store maintenance equipment for the cemetery.The current owners
of the cemetery would like to restore the building but would appreciate guidance and assistance.  
It would make an interesting small museum or office of some type.

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Temple Israel/Unitarian Church, Built 1867
17 South 7th Street, Lafayette

    SAVED!

Built in 1867, this building is the oldest known temple built by a Jewish Congregation in Indiana has been the Unitarian Universalist Church since 1976.  When the church moved to West Lafayette, the future for this historic structure faced an uncertain future.  Recently it became the home of the Greater Macedonia Church of God in Christ, and has a new lease on life. We wish the church much happiness and success in its new home.

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Pythian Home, Built 1927
South 18th Street, Lafayette

The Knights of Pythias selected Lafayette in 1927 for its area headquarters and residential home.  The Lafayette School Corporation purchased the property in 1992 as a possible site for expansion of the Jeff High School, located just to the south.  It was used as office space and a Halloween fright house until environmental concerns forced the closing of the building. The LSC administration has said it cannot afford the expense of environmental remedies and repairs.  The structures have been a major part of the historic fabric of the neighborhood for the last eighty years and finding a way to rehabilitate and use the buildings is critical.

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Thomas and Cordelia Bauer House, c.1890
811 Columbia Street, Lafayette

This handsome, Italianate/Greek Revival home was owned from 1910 by Thomas Bauer, founder and president of Lafayette Box Board Co.  After his death in 1939, his wife remained in the house until her death at the age of 95 in 1962.  This lovely home has been alllowed to deteriorate in recent years.  The triumvirate made up of 811 Columbia, 717 Columbia, and the recently lost 1015 Columbia represent a vanishing age within a single neighborhood.

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Zinn-Fizgerald House, c.1870
717 Columbia Street, Lafayette

The renovation of this building has been underway for several years by NHS.  Escalating construction costs and lack of a viable reuse plan have halted work on this downtown landmark. Although roof and exterior repairs have slowed the decline of the property, a new owner with vision and energy is needed to bring this building back to its former glory.

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Reifer House
12 North 8th Street, Lafayette

The Reifer House is adjacent to the Zinn-Fitzgerald House. LNHS, who has had a long term lease on the house with the owner of the land, has rented the the house to tenants. The property has fallen into disrepair, and the landowner would like to have the house removed. It is possible that the house could be moved to a new location nearby, and a bit of Lafayette history could be preserved.
 

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Cairo Skywatch Tower
Near CR 100W and CR 850N, West Lafayette

This tower was built in 1952 during the Korean War to protect the country against aerial attacks. The structure was cared for by the O'Conner family, who participated in the Skywatch program for many years. However, the tower has fallen into disrepair. Local citizens have shown a committment to restoration, if funds can be raised for the materials. The Cairo Skywatch Tower was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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Indiana Veterans' Home Historic District

In February, 2007, after lengthy negotiations with the state of Indiana, the Wabash Valley Trust took title to the four remaining historically significant buildings, built in the late 1800's and early 1900's, on the grounds of the Indiana Veterans' Home. The former Administration Building, the Lawrie Library, the Mens' Dorm (formerly called the Old Mens' Hall), and the Commandant's House, which is now leased and will continue to operate as a Bed & Breakfast, together comprise The Indiana Veterans' Home Historic District.  It is now the responsibility of the Wabash Valley Trust to stabilize and restore these beautiful buildings  and develop new functions for the IVH Historic  District that will benefit the people of Tippecanoe  County and the residents of the Soldiers' Home.

 If you have any ideas for this project or expertise in  adaptive reuse, historic redevelopment, or the  Veterans' Home itself, please let us hear from you.                      We can use your help.