Endangered Indianapolis church landmark could get new life

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis church on Indiana Landmarks’ latest list of “10 most endangered landmarks” could find new life.

The Indianapolis Public Schools wanted to demolish the Phillips Temple to create more parking for neighboring Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School but has given Indiana Landmarks more time to save the building built in 1924.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the city had been scheduled to hear the demolition request Thursday until the reprieve.

IPS, which owns the building, and Indiana Landmarks say an undisclosed developer is considering converting the building into housing. Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks says a community-based organization also is interested.

Phillips Temple housed an African-American church congregation before it moved into a new church several miles away.