Historic block in NE Indiana saved from demolition, restored

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (AP) - A block of historic buildings once headed for demolition in northeastern Indiana has been renovated into loft apartments and office space.

The United Brethren block in Huntington has been converted into 37 loft apartments with first-floor space for a community arts program and a university entrepreneurial initiative.

The Journal Gazette reports that the three century-old brick buildings that comprise the block were blighted by the time city officials took possession of the property in 2014 and began threatening to raze the site.

But the $9 million restoration was spearheaded by a company that worked to finance and redevelop the project with city officials and local historic preservationists.

The revived property will be unveiled during a Saturday open house in the city about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Fort Wayne.

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Information from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net