12/5/2005
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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IHPC reaches agreement with owner of historic church; today's emergency hearing cancelled
Indianapolis – Today's emergency hearing by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) has been cancelled due to an agreement reached over the weekend with the owners of a historically significant Downtown building.
The IHPC today received a signed letter by representatives of Indiana Equity Associates, LLC, owners of the nearly 100-year-old Methodist Episcopal Church building located at 802 N. Meridian, stipulating that the building shall not be altered or demolished in any way prior to January 11, 2006. The agreement also confirms the owners consent for the city to withhold any permits for demolition before January 11.
"This agreement allows time for the IHPC and community stakeholders to have discussions with the building's owners to determine their exact plans for the property," said David Baker, city administrator to the IHPC. "Last week, it was the inability to gain access to the management of Indiana Equity Associates that prompted the IHPC to schedule the emergency hearing to consider historic designation of the building."
Baker said discussions between the city officials, community stakeholders and representatives of Indiana Equity Associates will begin this month. He stated that official historic designation of the building by the IHPC is not off the table.
Any need for future action by the IHPC will be determined based on the outcome of the meetings with property owners.
Earlier last week, Indiana Equity Associates began the process of applying for demolition permits for 802. N. Meridian. After concerns were raised by community stakeholders and preservationists, the IHPC scheduled an emergency hearing to decide on historic designation for the Downtown landmark.
Designation by the IHPC would require owners to seek the commission's approval as part of a public hearing before making any changes or alterations to the building.
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