by Jennifer Tangeman
Cass County was recently awarded $50,000 to use as a planning grant for the Memorial Home.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman awarded the funds as part of the community development block grant program from the state’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
“These planning studies are often the first step for communities that want to pursue new economic development opportunities,” Skillman said. “These studies are costly for rural communities, but the state will continue to support communities that have a vision for improving the quality of life for Hoosiers.”
For Cass County, the money is being used to see how feasible it would be for arts organizations to take over ownership of the Memorial Home and create a community center of sorts.
Local organizations, led by the Cass County Arts Alliance, are looking to take over the management of the post Civil War-era home for a community center and a location to house non-profit organizations.
The Memorial Home was constructed in 1878 and is used for a variety of purposes, including meetings, receptions and other events. The planning grant will assess the historic structure and provide recommendations for renovations that will address accessibility and structural issues as well as expand the building’s purpose to meet the needs of a variety of local not-for-profit organizations and arts groups.
Plan director Stan Williams said the study should determine it if would make sense for the arts groups to house the center.
“The grant is to conduct a feasibility analysis of the Memorial Home becoming a community arts center,” Williams said. “The vision is for the Arts Alliance and other organizations to be all concentrated and all operate out of the Memorial Home.”
Cass County Arts Alliance president Lisa Terry said some ideas for the home are to have office, performance and gallery space within the home for the different arts groups.
“This study will determine whether there’s a need for this in the community, as well as if it is sustainable,” Williams said.
Brenner Design was chosen from among four candidate firms to complete the study assessing costs to renovate the historic property.
Williams said a steering committee comprised of representatives from the various arts groups had met on a few occasions already, and would start to host public meetings to gather input about the home. The group will address the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs Monday.
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 o r jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
Want to go?
What: The Cass County Arts Alliance and Logansport Kiwanis and Rotary clubs will host a public, informal roundtable discussion on the renovation of the Cass County Memorial Home as a community center.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.
Where: Boondockers, 1 Eel River Ave.
