Vanderburgh appeals board denies Indiana Landmarks property-tax exemption for former YMCA site

The Vanderburgh County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals voted to accept the county's recommendation to deny a 2025 property-tax exemption requested by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (doing business as Indiana Landmarks) for a former YMCA property at 220 Northwest Sixth Street.

Board members accepted the county recommendation that the organization had not met the statutory burden to show the property was owned, occupied and used for a charitable purpose. The board's motion to accept the county's recommendation was made and seconded and passed unanimously with board members Chris Stewart, Dan Humphrey and Chris Sager voting yes.

Indiana Landmarks representatives, including Brad Ward, president of Indiana Landmarks, and a staff member identified as Stephanie, told the board the organization acquired the property in 2023 to preserve it from demolition and to steward a future reuse that could include affordable and market-rate housing. "Our intent was to step in, avoid it being demolished," Ward said, adding that Indiana Landmarks' role is to stabilize properties and find a future steward rather than to develop them. He said Indiana Landmarks requires covenants when it transfers properties to future owners to preserve historic integrity.

The county representative explained the assessor received a Form 136 with supporting documentation, conducted a site visit and was…