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Logansport council approves funding package for Memorial Home window restoration and historic-structure review
Summary
The council approved Resolution 2024-113 to appropriate funds for a historic-structure report and window restoration at the Logansport Memorial Home, authorizing use of ARPA funds and a non-reverting Memorial Home fund while staff pursues grant matches and contractor procurement.
The Logansport Common Council on March 10 approved Resolution 2024-113 to appropriate funds for a historic structure report and the restoration of windows at the Logansport Memorial Home (also identified in materials as the Logansport Cass County Memorial Center).
The resolution authorizes use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds—up to $117,000 as presented by staff—and up to $60,000 from the Logansport Memorial Home Non-Reverting Fund for a contract with Jonathan Young of Browning Day to complete a historic-structural review. Councilman Peadey introduced the resolution and the council voted yes on the measure.
City staff described two lines of work: (1) a restoration project for the east and west side windows of the memorial home, and (2) an updated historic-structural report required to pursue a larger Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant. Staff said two smaller grant opportunities—described in council materials as roughly $50,000 and $15,000—are being pursued and that grant awards could reduce the city’s net expense; staff emphasized that award of those grants was not guaranteed, so the council was being asked to authorize the full funding request in the meantime.
Staff reported a restoration contractor estimate from Harris Glass just under $196,000 and said restoration by historic-preservation specialists is expected to be less costly than complete window replacement. Staff also said Indiana Landmarks provided contacts for preservation craftsmen; two specialized contractors from Plymouth and South Bend are prepared to perform restoration work or come on site for the summer, and Indiana Landmarks plans a June 6–7 workshop at the Emmaus House on window restoration.
In addition to the window work, staff asked to contract Browning Day for an updated historic-structural review (staff indicated the firm did work in 2017 and the study must be updated). Staff proposed to use ARPA funds for restoration work and to use the Memorial Home non-reverting fund to secure Jonathan Young’s contract and complete the structural review. Staff also said they will begin environmental testing for lead-based paint and plan restoration work using lead-safe techniques unless testing shows otherwise.
Staff presented current fund balances in meeting materials: the non-reverting Memorial Home fund showed $129,930 as of February, and staff noted a planned $200,000 transfer from the general fund that would bring the non-reverting fund total to about $329,930; the council was asked to authorize drawing $60,000 from that non-reverting fund if needed.
Council discussion emphasized the urgency of securing a contractor and completing restoration work before further deterioration occurs. Staff said two contractors are on the Indiana Landmarks list and that local contractors have generally declined work because the restoration is specialized. The council approved the resolution and directed staff to move the work forward and proceed with environmental testing and grant applications.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2024-113 — approved; roll-call yes votes included Cameron Austin; Scott Feadey; Chris Howard; Susie Walmsley; Dave Morris; Hailey Zensmaster; BJ Cox.
