Developer proposes office/residential reuse to save historic 400 East North Street; commission recommends zone change to council

The Crown Point City Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning change for 400 East North Street from R-3 (residential) to OS-1 (office services) to permit the rehabilitation of the former Trinity Lutheran Church and school into office suites with four to six dwelling units.

Mike Arnold of Creekside Outdoor Living, the petitioner, said the building is more than 100 years old and that his team intends a full rehabilitation rather than demolition. Arnold said they have engaged structural engineers and preservation experts and have discussed working with Indiana Landmarks and a local church foundation. He told the commission, “This building... has stood in the community for over a hundred years.”

Staff reported the petitioner received a favorable recommendation from the Board of Zoning Appeals (5-0) for the related use variance and that the planning department received letters both in remonstration and in support. Commissioners and several members of the public expressed support for preservation; others said they preferred open space or worried about long-term upkeep.

Commissioners pressed the petitioner on contingency planning if the rehabilitation proved infeasible. The petitioner said he would consider a recorded written commitment about intended uses but was not ready to promise an automatic reversion to residential zoning if the building ultimately required demolition. The BZA-approved variance limits residential units in the structure to a maximum of six, a restriction that will be part of the council record.

The commission recommended the OS-1 change to City Council by roll call; the matter will proceed to council for final action.