NEWS

Revitalization Strategy Focuses on Local Business

The town of Converse believes supporting small, local business is the right approach to revitalization and preservation.

Converse Carnegie Library
Library officials are in the early stages of planning construction an addition to their historic library, one of the town's most cherished historic buildings. (Photo: Lee Lewellen)

The Right Approach

Converse—population 1,200—has quietly been going about the business of revitalization for many years. While other small towns dream of attracting national chains to their communities, Converse believes support of small, local business is the right approach, and the results are starting to add up.

Vintage-style street lights, sidewalks edged in red brick, and renovated building facades set the tone along Jefferson Street, the main thoroughfare through downtown. A family-friendly bar-b-q joint anchors the south end of the commercial corridor, with Marty’s Pub at the north end. Retail options include a fragrant soap shop, a ladies’ boutique, a gourmet fudge store, Red Rooster Antiques, and more.

The town recently earned listing in the National Register of Historic Places with help from a grant from Indiana Landmarks’ Partners in Preservation program.

The 1918 Carnegie Library, one of the most cherished buildings in the Converse Commercial Historic District, still serves its original purpose. Library Director Andrew Horner, a passionate preservation advocate, wants the Classic Revival structure to remain relevant for another 100 years. Library officials are in the early stages of planning for construction of a complimentary addition at the rear of the historic building. “Libraries are no longer just a collection of old books being quietly read, but rather a vibrant living space meant for interactive programming,” says Horner. The modest addition will include meeting space, a kitchen, and improved accessibility.

Converse does face a preservation dilemma. The town’s 1920s community gymnasium suffers from deferred maintenance, which led the town board to consider demolition and construction of a new building. Several dozen residents showed up at a town hall meeting in December to plead the gym’s case, citing an architectural study funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) showing renovation of the current building would cost significantly less than new construction.

Converse Gym

Converse Gym (Photo: Lee Lewellen)

For now, the decision to demolish the old Converse gym is on hold pending additional analysis. In the meantime, our Northeast Field Office is monitoring the situation and providing preservation advice.

For more information about revitalization in Converse, contact Andrew Horner, 765-395-3344, converselibrary@gmail.com

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