The 1886 Church Foundation is looking for a preservation-minded buyer to adaptively reuse a historic church and school in Crown Point, Indiana. The asking price is just $7,500.

The buildings at 400 East North Street have been an integral part of the neighborhood and local community since they were founded as part of Trinity Lutheran Church in 1886. Constructed of local clay-fired brick and native stone, the building is believed to be the oldest church structure in Crown Point. The cornerstone of the adjacent school building was laid in 1938.

Trinity Lutheran relocated to a new building in 1958, and both the church and school were adapted into apartments. The buildings need complete interior rehabilitation, as well as extensive exterior repairs including a new roof and masonry rehabilitation.

Located close to Crown Point’s downtown courthouse square, the highly visible location makes it ideal for many potential uses. The large, two-story former sanctuary offers 2,480 square feet that could be repurposed for restaurant, exhibit, or performance space. Measuring approximately 4,100 square feet, the adjoining former school would be ideal for a small business. The property includes convenient on-site parking.

Indiana Landmarks is working with the 1886 Church Foundation, which owns the building, to market the property.

“These buildings represent a great opportunity for someone to revitalize an important landmark property into a unique asset for the community,” says Blake Swihart, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Northwest Field Office. “We’d hate to see such a significant historic structure demolished for some sort of generic redevelopment, especially so close to Crown Point’s locally designated Eastside Historic District and its National Register-listed Courthouse Square Historic District.”

The property will be sold as-is with protective covenants held by Indiana Landmarks to ensure long-term preservation of its historic character and architectural features. Potential buyers will be required to provide proof of funds, prior/current development capacity, and a plan that aligns with the preservation covenants. For more information, contact Indiana Landmarks’ Northwest Field Office, 219-947-2657.

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Blake Swihart, Director, Indiana Landmarks Northwest Field Office, 219-947-2657, bswihart@indianalandmarks.org

Mindi Woolman, Director of Marketing and Communications, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org