NEWS

Threat Escalates for Jeffersonville Landmark

Indiana Landmarks seeks a solution for the declining Masonic temple built in 1926, now under threat of demolition.

Heritage in Jeopardy

Jeffersonville’s Masonic Temple has been in jeopardy for years—it appeared on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list in 2012—and now it faces a fresh threat from the owner who claims that rehab costs exceed the historic building’s market value. The leaking roof and broken windows, long-standing conditions, have accelerated the temple’s decline. On February 1, the owner filed for a demolition permit, citing unsafe conditions and the high cost of bringing the building up to code.

The 1926 Neoclassical-style building, designed by noted architect Arthur Loomis, occupies a key location at the gateway to the downtown commercial district and overlooks Warder Park, a popular spot for summer concerts and other public gatherings. The Masons sold the building after moving to the suburbs in 1994.

Because the temple, 509 Spring Street, is in a locally-designated historic district, the demolition request must be reviewed by the Jeffersonville Historic Preservation Commission, and a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) granted before demolition can occur. The city also imposes a 30-day demolition delay for structures in the Old Jeffersonville National Register Historic District. On February 13, the commission tabled the demolition permit application on the advice of the city attorney. During the 30-day delay, a structural engineer will provide the city with a “second opinion” evaluation.

Indiana Landmarks has reached out to the owner a number of times through the years to encourage preservation of the building and inform him of financial incentives for rehab. Working with the city, Jeffersonville Main Street, Jeff-Clark Preservation, and other local partners, Indiana Landmarks hopes to reach a positive resolution that spares the building. Read more.

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