Former Sanatorium to Receive New Life
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe former Lake County Tuberculosis Sanatorium will be the new home of the Indiana Ballet Theatre. IBT entered into a 10-year lease in 2017 and began renovating the building to create a regional arts hub.
The Crown Point Historic Preservation Commission designated the Nurses’ Home as a locally protected landmark, which ensures future exterior work will maintain its historic character. The Nurse’s Home and superintendent’s house are also listed in the National Register. IBT founder Gloria Tuohy says she saw the potential in the 1925-built building years ago “Growing up and traveling in Europe, I grew accustomed to the everyday presence of historic buildings,” “I believe the classical styling of the Nurses’ Home could further inspire the artists, create a cultural destination in the region, and encourage the reuse of other historic structures.”
IBT invested more than $500,000 to repair masonry and concrete, install a new roof and restore all 127 original wood windows. Lake County Commissioners deeded the building to IBT last year, which will allow the nonprofit group to raise funds to complete the project. Interior work, including offices and practice rooms, and a theater, are planned for the building. The work is expected to cost $3 million. Tuohy says the plan is to raise $1 million this year to begin interior construction.