Organizations Work to Save Old Wabash Buildings

From Left to Right: Wabash Sherrifs Residence And Jail (Courtesy Lee Lewellen)

A group in Wabash is working to help save three prominent buildings in its downtown. Wabash Marketplace is planing to redevelop the Bradley and Bedford buildings and is working with Indiana Landmarks to seek a new use for the Wabash Sheriff’s House and Jail, which is in danger of being demolished next month.

Indiana Landmarks has underwritten the cost of a structural report, which found issues with some brick work and potential wood rot and mold from water infiltration on both the Bradley and Bedford and minor fire damage in the Bradley. The buildings are still structurally sound and an Indiana Landmarks official says the damage is minor.

As for the Sheriff’s House and Jail, the Wabash County Commission is set to go forward with plans to turn it into a parking lot next month if a new use is not identified. The 1880s-era structure has been vacant for a decade and now has a temporary roof to keep water from getting in. Indiana Landmarks says it could be an ideal setting for uses including a brewpub, retail space or professional offices.

In 2014, Wabash was chosen as a Stellar Communities winner along with Huntingburg. Just one month ago, the small city won a national competition that involves $500,000 for a "makeover" and additional small business support from Minnesota-based Deluxe Corp. (NYSE: DLX) through its nationwide Small Business Revolution on Main Street competition.