The southern Indiana City of Cannelton is seeking proposals from qualified developers for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of a historic Italianate commercial building it owns at 201 Washington Street. Due to the structure’s deteriorated condition, the building is slated for demolition by the end of 2024 if a new owner isn’t found.

The building stands in Cannelton’s historic district along State Road 66, part of the Ohio River National Scenic Byway. Indiana Landmarks named the town’s downtown to its 10 Most Endangered Places list in 2018, and it has remained on the preservation organization’s watch list ever since.

Proposals are due on Dec. 9, and developers must commit to a timely and sensitive rehabilitation of the building for mixed commercial and residential use consistent with the City’s Downtown Revitalization Plan, adopted in 2013.

Classified as a contributing structure in the Cannelton National Register Historic District, the building is eligible for federal rehabilitation tax credits as an income-producing property and might qualify for a $20,000 grant from the City of Cannelton, based on the merits of the project.

“We’d really like to save this piece of our community’s history, but if we can’t find a partner to do it, the building will have to be demolished,” said Mayor Morris “Smokey” Graves. “We have a $20,000 grant for demolition that expires Dec. 31, 2024. We’re seriously hoping to find an alternative and reallocate the grant for something lasting and sustainable.”

The City of Cannelton will review proposals with Indiana Landmarks. The quality-based selection process will not necessarily result in the property’s being sold to the entity offering the highest purchase price.

Questions may be directed to Mayor Graves, 812-547-8994, or Greg Sekula, Southern Regional Director, Indiana Landmarks, 812-284-4534.

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connection 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.