Historic church for sale in Old Northside neighborhood

A majestic church building at the corner of 12th and Delaware streets is up for sale for the first time in more than 30 years.

The 34,000-square-foot neoclassical building includes a 1,200-seat auditorium renovated in 1995. The limestone structure has been used as a place of worship since it was built in 1912.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have owned it since 1978, but the church needs more room and plans to move elsewhere once it sells. The building’s list price: $2.9 million.
 

The limestone building that sits across Delaware Street from the President Benjamin Harrison Home has been used as a place of worship since it was built in 1912. (IBJ Photo/ Eric Learned)

Summit Realty Group is marketing the property to potential users, including another church or an educational or arts group.

The building at 1201 N. Delaware St. sits across from the President Benjamin Harrison Home and blocks away from the Indiana Landmarks Center in the Old Northside neighborhood.

“Potential buyers who have seen it have been blown away by its immaculate condition and overall character,” broker Rich Forslund said in a statement. “It really is a vital and unique piece of real estate.”

Among its impressive features is an open-loop geothermal system that uses groundwater for heating and cooling, Forslund said.