Indiana Landmarks with assistance from the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks a new use for the 1888 Sower family home in Rome City. While the house is not eligible for single-family use, it could be adapted for a small vacation rental or offices. Part of the first floor could be rehabbed to house a business to serve area residents and tourists, such as a bicycle rental or ice cream shop. The property is located near the Fishing Line Trail and Gene Stratton Porter State Historic Site, as well as numerous regional lakes.

In exchange for completing the historic house’s rehabilitation and regular maintenance, Indiana Landmarks offers a free 30-year lease for the approximately 2,000 square-foot house. The full basement houses updated HVAC for the first floor and a new electrical panel and wiring. A new half-bath has been completed on the first floor. Rehabilitation needs will vary depending on the determined adaptive reuse of the property.

Owned by the State of Indiana, Indiana Landmarks leased the house from the State Museums and Historic Sites when it had no use for the building and proposed demolition. An exterior rehabilitation removed the outdated aluminum siding, restoring the siding and cornice, and rebuilding a historic porch removed in the 1950s. An accessible ramp allows access to the front porch and main entry door on the front.

Rehabilitation plans will need to be approved by Indiana Landmarks and the State of Indiana. Proof of financial capacity to undertake the envisioned renovation work is also required. See more photos, floor plans and a study on the lodging needs of the county here. For more information or to arrange a showing contact Todd Zeiger, tzeiger@indianalandmarks.org, 574-232-4534×4.