Renovations Underway at Iconic Sherman House

The Sherman House was built in 1852.

Officials say renovations have "kicked into high gear" for a landmark in downtown Batesville. HPH Hospitality LLC purchased the Sherman House, a 23-room inn and German-style restaurant and bar, in March. The high-profile structure dates back to the mid-1800s. Its previous owners closed the Sherman House in January of 2015.

Multiple parties showed interest in the property, but HPH Hospitality ultimately acquired it. Ripley County-based Friendship State Bank and the company have partnered on financing the renovations.

Renovations to the first and second floors, including guest rooms, are expected to be complete early next year.

Previous owner Doug Bessler announced his "semi-retirement" in 2015. Other previous owners include Hillenbrand Inc., which purchased the Sherman House in the early 1920s, connecting four additional buildings. Bessler bought the architectural landmark in 2006. It took on the Sherman House in the years following the Civil War as a tribute to regional hero General William Tecumseh Sherman.