High school ruling could set tone for Pendleton preservation

10/19/2012

A judge will determine the outcome in a challenge to the Pendleton Historic Preservation Commission's ruling against demo of the town's 1936 high school.

The fate of Pendleton’s 1936 high school is still in limbo, and the outcome could determine the course of preservation in Pendleton for years to come.

Earlier this year, the town’s historic preservation commission ruled on its first case, denying the South Madison Community School Corporation permission to demolish the historic Pendleton-Fall Creek Township High School.

School officials claim safety concerns and the cost of maintenance as reasons for demolition of the building, vacant since school consolidation in 2010. Advocates believe the building is solid and well-suited to creative reuse. Locally designated by the commission, the school is also a contributing structure within the National Register-listed Pendleton Historic District.

The school corporation has filed suit against the preservation commission; the case goes to court in January, 2013. If the judge upholds the commission’s decision, it will be a win for preservation. But a ruling against the commission will strike a powerful blow to its authority and ability to protect the town’s historic places.

To register your support for saving the Pendleton High School, contact the Pendleton Historic Preservation Commission, 765-778-2173.