United for the Save

In 2015, deteriorating conditions and public safety concerns landed Huntington’s United Brethren Block on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list. Today, after an $9 million restoration headed by Anderson Partners, the block is poised to re-open as 37 market-rate lofts, art studios, and a culinary kitchen operated by Pathfinder Services, Inc., and Huntington University’s entrepreneurship program.

Located on the north side of the city’s courthouse square, the block includes the 1889 Odd Fellows Hall, c.1915 I.O.O.F Trust Building, and 1915 United Brethren building, connected by the late 1950s to house the church’s publishing company. After 10 Most Endangered status underlined the buildings’ plight, Indiana Landmarks worked with local affiliate Huntington Alert to remove the block from the city’s demolition list. Using money from our Efroymson Family Endangered Places Fund and matching city funds, we repaired leaky roofs and commissioned a structural and reuse assessment. We let firms with track records in transforming historic properties know about the redevelopment opportunity, finding the right fit in Anderson Partners.

Funds from the City of Huntington fueled the redevelopment, which also utilized Indiana Regional Cities funding and the federal Historic Tax Credit, ensuring the preservation of original features. Community Construction of Indianapolis served as general contractor, executing the design from Martin Riley Architects of Fort Wayne.

On August 17 from 2-5 p.m., Indiana Landmarks, Huntington Alert, and Anderson Partners offer a Landmark Look showcasing the property’s transformation. Tickets cost $5 for Indiana Landmarks members, $10 for general public. For more information, call 317-639-4534.