Reed Center seeks $500,000 for fire‑safety work; commission tables request pending budget review

Leaders of Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church, which operates the Reed Center performing‑arts venue, asked the Richmond Redevelopment Commission on Sept. 16 for $500,000 from allocation area 1 to pay for fire‑safety and life‑safety work that the group says is needed for a formal ownership transfer and a change of occupancy.

Presenters outlined the building’s historic and cultural significance — including extensive Tiffany Studios stained‑glass windows and a vintage Hook & Hastings pipe organ — and described work the group says is needed to meet Chapter 34 of the Indiana Building Code for change of occupancy. Anne Fenimore (treasurer, Reed Center) and Fred Chatfield (artistic director/board member) emphasized the site’s architectural provenance and tourism value; Mary (director, Wayne County Tourism Bureau) described the center’s role in area tourism and economic development. Architect Kevin McCurdy (LWC) reviewed the code path and said the work required to meet Chapter 34 will focus primarily on compartmentation (creating fire zones), alarms, sprinklers in select areas, a new water service and selective application of intumescent clear coatings to preserve original finishes.

McCurdy and other presenters estimated the total scope of fire‑safety work at roughly $1.2 million (the estimate includes contingencies of 10–20 percent). The Reed Center requested $500,000 from the commission now to allow design, bidding and summer 2026 construction timing; the board and presenters said they are pursuing grants and fundraising to cover the remainder and that Indiana Landmarks has endorsed the effort. Staff said Reed Center cannot take full ownership until the Chapter 34 approvals are in place and warned that the presbytery currently owning the property could change its position in the future.

Commissioners asked about fundraising, insurance and long‑term operations. Beth (redevelopment staff) told the commission how the agency’s annual budget is reported to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF): the commission had budgeted $250,000 for 2025 in the category that would cover the request, with $40,000 already committed to a library project and $210,000 remaining; any additional appropriation would require a budget addendum with DLGF before a check could be issued.

After an extended public presentation and Q&A, several commissioners said they strongly support the Reed Center but needed more time to assess the request alongside other pending projects and because one commissioner was absent. Commissioner Kathy Lucid recused herself from questioning and voting due to a conflict. The commission agreed to table consideration for at least one month and requested additional budget and schedule information; staff suggested a 30–60 day window for follow‑up and indicated the item would return to the commission’s next meeting.