Indiana Landmarks Names ‘Most Endangered’ in 2018

The Old Masonic Hall in Knightstown made the 2018 list. (photo courtesy Indiana Landmarks)

Indiana Landmarks has released its annual list of the 10 Most Endangered places in the state. The nonprofit preservation organization says places on the list often face a combination of problems, such as abandonment, neglect and dilapidation.

Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks, says the list features important historic places that have reached a dire point and face demolition. Since 1991, only 16 of the 131 sites included in the list have met that fate.

Davis says places are put on the list to raise awareness and find ways to save them. He cites the Newkirk Mansion in Connersville as an example, which was included in the 2017 list and is now on its way to redemption.

"The vacant hilltop mansion suffered a leaking roof, vandalism and an arson fire in the carriage house," said Davis. "We developed a strategy that included price negotiation, optioning the property, and a national search for a new owner willing to restore the house. We found an ideal buyer in the Sparks family who immediately began addressing the structural needs and embraced the protective covenant we attached to the deed."

The 2018 10 Most Endangered list includes:

• Cannelton Historic District, Cannelton
• Commandant’s Row at Indiana Veterans’ Home, West Lafayette
• The Courtyard Inn, Rising Sun
• Cravenhurst Barn, Madison
• Marion National Bank Building, Marion (repeat entry from 2017 list)
• Muncie Fieldhouse, Muncie
• North Christian Church, Columbus
• Old Masonic Hall, Knightstown
• Rocky Edge, Terre Haute
• Saint Joseph’s College campus, Rensselaer

You can learn more about the 10 Most Endangered places by clicking here.