UPDATE: The historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Crown Point is set for demolition after a sale to restore the building fell through. The Crown Point Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously reaffirmed the demolition order, originally issued in December 2022, during a meeting last week.
Mayor Pete Land revealed that redevelopment plans by Creekside Outdoor Living could not be finalized due to a lack of agreement with the 1886 Foundation, which owns the church. The foundation refused to approve the sale without commitments to retain the church in any renovation plans.
“I’m personally disappointed,” Land stated. “I understand both sides. It just did not work out.”
Mike Arnold, president of Creekside, noted that an assessment of the structure was necessary before any redevelopment could occur. However, terms from the foundation proved unacceptable, stalling the project. Arnold expressed his concerns about the church’s deteriorating condition, stating, “Walking through there is scary.”
The Crown Point City Council had previously approved a zoning change to allow Creekside’s plans for turning the property at 400 E. North St. into apartments and multi-office rental space. The church, built in 1886, has suffered significant damage over the years, including a devastating fire in October 2018 that left the building in disrepair.
City Attorney Alex Kutanovski confirmed that demolition can begin once a schedule is established, which will include the potential removal of asbestos and obtaining necessary permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Kutanovski could not provide a specific timeline for these processes.
City Councilman Robert Clemons, who also serves on the Board of Public Works, expressed deep sorrow over the decision, highlighting the church’s historical significance to the community. “It breaks my heart. I knew it was a long shot,” he lamented.
As demolition plans move forward, the community faces the impending loss of a structure rich in history and memories. Residents and local leaders are urged to stay informed as developments unfold.
The fate of Trinity Lutheran Church is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by historic preservation efforts in the face of modern development pressures. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
