Restoration work begins for Old Northside landmark

March 1, 2010
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Old Centrum thumbHistoric Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has taken over the Romanesque Revival former church known as Old Centrum along Central Avenue at 12th Street. The foundation already is working to stabilize the building, which opened in 1892 as the Central Avenue United Methodist Church, and is considering moving its headquarters there. The building most recently provided offices for a handful of not-for-profit groups, but it closed in March 2008 as the caretaker, Old Centrum Foundation, fell behind on maintenance. Historic Landmarks is taking over the building by virtue of a loan it had provided to the foundation, said Marsh Davis, the group’s president. The previous owner had estimated a full restoration could cost as much as $10 million. Davis said the first priority is to save a building that’s in bad shape after two years of sitting vacant. Discussions about whether to move the Historic Landmarks headquarters and its 22-person Indianapolis staff could come later.

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  • Cool!
    Very happy to see that this building is going to be looked after.
  • LOVE IT
    This is awesome news. The Old Centrum is an amazing Indianapolis landmark and I'm thrilled to see Historic Landmarks taking action. YEAH!! I can't wait to see the end result!
  • Great
    Every time I pass by this building I dream about what it might be. This is great news. I hope it becomes more interactive - maybe with part of the space for first friday events, or something of that sort (we can find artists... right?)
  • Good News
    It's good to hear that this historic structure will be given a new lease on life. Senator Lugar's family attended the church once located in this building, as well as the O'Bannons during their time in Indianapolis.

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  1. Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.

  2. Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.

  3. I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.

  4. The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.

  5. I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!

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