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Indiana Landmarks’ list of most endangered structures

(Aug. 2021) Indiana Landmarks has placed this building in downtown New Castle on its 10 Most Endangered List.

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana Landmarks has released its annual list of the 10 Most Endangered Hoosier landmarks, including a classic train depot, a high school gymnasium and an artfully designed jail and sheriff’s residence. The nonprofit says the places often face a combination of problems, such as abandonment, neglect, or lack of money for repairs.

“Indiana Landmarks uses its 10 Most Endangered list in several ways. Sometimes it serves an educational role. It functions as an advocacy tool. And it can assist in raising funds needed to save a place,” said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks.

One of the structures is the Courthouse Annex in New Castle. Indiana Landmarks says the structure is attractive, but its condition is precarious. The preservation organization says the county has not earmarked any funding for maintenance on the building. County officials have discussed demolishing the building and turn the space into a parking lot.

This year’s list includes six new entries and four repeat sites from last year’s list:

B.G. Pollard Lodge #1242, Bloomington
Courthouse Annex, New Castle
Davis Clinic, Marion
James M. Shields Memorial Gymnasium, Seymour
Kamm and Schellinger Brewery, Mishawaka
Oxford Community Mausoleum, Benton County

Repeat entries from 2020 list

Falley-O’Gara-Pyke House, Lafayette
Monon Depot, Bedford
Theodore Roosevelt High School, Gary
Tipton County Jail & Sheriff’s Residence

Indiana Landmarks says demolition has claimed 20 of the 152 Most Endangered sites since the list was introduced in 1991. Ninety-seven places are completely restored or no longer endangered. “Every listing comes with significant challenges. In all cases, when an endangered place lands on our list, we commit to seeking solutions that lead to rescue and revitalization,” said Davis.

Click here to read more about the endangered sites.