Turn-of-century building could be saved from demolition

The Salvation Army is rethinking a request to demolish a historic home it owns next to its headquarters at Michigan and Alabama streets.

The not-for-profit group is expected to request a continuance of a Feb. 26 public hearing on the demolition. The structure, which was built before 1898 as a single-family home, has been controlled by the Salvation Army since 1947. It was used as apartments until about five years ago. While the exterior is in reasonably good condition, the interior needs work and the third-floor ceiling is caving in.

Planning administrators and a Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana representative toured the building but have not yet offered a recommendation, said senior planner Jeff York.

"We’d certainly like to see it reused if possible," York said.

The Salvation Army had planned to use the space for parking.