By Jennifer Tangeman
A local committee has selected an Indianapolis architectural firm to complete a feasibility study on the historic Memorial Home.
Brenner Design was chosen from among four candidate firms to complete a study assessing costs to renovate the historic property.
Brent Mather, a senior project architect with the firm, said it is key to get an accurate cost estimate if the project is to move forward.
Local organizations, led by the Cass County Arts Alliance, are looking to take over the management of the Civil War-era home for a community center and a location to house non-profit organizations.
Arts Alliance president Lisa Terry said the groups are really just exploring the possibilities at this point.
“We are not going to take on a project this community does not support,” she said. “I think it is important that people know we are not taking anything over right now. We are still in the exploration stages.”
The committee is hoping the $50,000 feasibility study will help secure future grant money to repair the home’s exterior and create a community center and office space inside.
The committee said it chose Brenner Design for the firm’s attention to historic preservation and communication with the public. The committee is comprised of Terry, Lita Rouser, an arts alliance member, Kathy Dingo, representing Logan’s Landing, Historic Preservation Commission member Kado Downs, Memorial Center board member Tom Scheetz and Junior Civic Theatre representative Pat Buchanan.
Mather said the firm typically hosts focus groups and educational workshops related to projects within the community. He also said he makes it a point to be available to the public for conversation at least once a week.
“They are so well-oiled for what small-town folks need,” Terry said.
Brenner Design was recently recognized by the state’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs for commendable historic preservation work in 2009.
Mather said if it is deemed feasible to renovate the home, gaining a consensus from internal organizations and the general public for plans for the Memorial Home would be a priority.
“We’re very mindful that this is your community, your project, and your opportunities,” Mather said.
Grant applications for the Memorial Home will be submitted within the next month.
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or Jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
