Plenty of Potential

It’s hard to miss the c.1880 Montgomery House, located just west of the town square on Paoli’s Main Street. In spite of vivid green paint and dilapidation wrought by years of vacancy and neglect, the home’s historic character remains obvious. When town officials targeted the house for demolition, Indiana Landmarks partnered with local preservation organization and affiliate Saving Historic Orange County (SHOC) to save the endangered landmark.

We secured a six-month real estate option in late October. “The option allows us to market without taking ownership until we find the right buyer,” explains Greg Sekula, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Southern Regional Office. “We will attach covenants requiring the buyer to rehabilitate the house within a certain period of time and in a way that preserves the historic architectural character,” he adds. SHOC will spearhead cleanup at the property and organize showings for potential buyers.

Situated on a National Scenic Byway known as Indiana’s Historic Pathways, the distinctive I-house – a vernacular type of farmhouse known for its prevalence in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa – has a brick two-story section with bay windows and a frame ell at the rear. The house includes approximately 2,582 square feet. Interior details include the original open staircase and period trim.

Located at 414 West Main Street, the property includes a deep lot with 110’ of road frontage on the edge of the city’s National Register-listed historic district, and driveway access to an adjoining street.

The house will require structural repairs, a new roof, siding and masonry work, window restoration, and all new systems. We expect to put the property on the market in December, priced in the low- to mid-$20,000s. If you’d like to learn more, contact Greg Sekula at 812-284-4534, or gsekula@indianalandmarks.org.