Group hopes to save former home of Crawford’s Bakery

Efforts to save the former home of Crawford's Bakery at 16th Street and Capitol Avenue appear to be gaining momentum. Demolition had been scheduled for May 1 but the building's owner has agreed to hold off until at least May 15 while Indiana Landmarks, the statewide historic preservation group, tries to line up a way to save the 1926 building. They've already received several inquiries. "The goal is to quickly convene with interested parties to suggest a proposal other than demolition," said Marsh Davis, the group's president. "I've got no plan other than the fact if we have time we might be able to come up with a plan more in the interest of the owner and certainly the community. When it's gone there's nothing there." The building at 1609 N. Capitol Ave., which Davis called a "sentimental favorite", was designed by the local architectural firm Pierre & Wright. It served as home to Pandell's Flower Shop between the 1930s and 1980s, and to Crawford's Bakery for 20 years before the shop closed in 2008. Property records show the building is owned by Phillip Thomas, a Florida investor. Marsh said Indiana Landmarks has agreed to pick up the cost of any expenses related to delaying the demolition if they can't find a better alternative. There are more building stats and several photos on a Facebook page created by fans of the building. Ideas?