Historic building damaged by apt. fire

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Firefighters worked hard to preserve a historic building next to the Cosmopolitan, the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

"We were here really before the canal is what it is today," said Marsh Davis, Historic Landmarks Foundation. "Our business is to save historic properties and work with neighborhoods and communities."

The building sits right along the canal on West Michigan Street. It’s a hot spot of development both residential and business. Thursday morning, the foundation came very close to burning.

"The north side which is very, very close to the fire has got a lot of damage. There's even some damage to the structure of the roof," said Davis.

Inside the building, ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures are damaged by water. Shelves filled with books are also destroyed.

"One of the good things the firefighters did was to cover as much of our working space with tarps which saved a lot of stuff," said Davis.

One half of the building dates back to 1879. The other half was added on as the foundation needed more room. Great care was taken to try and match both sides.

Davis said, "The firefighters did a wonderful job. In fact, I talked to several of them. They told me that when they knew that the Cosmopolitan was gone. Their priority was to make sure that our building didn't go next."

Now, employees of the foundation are waiting for the all clear to go back inside. About 25 people work for the foundation. No word where they'll be working temporarily while the building is repaired.