SRC Purchases 1564 Main Street

(posted Mar 22)
By Linda Karn

Speedway Redevelopment Commission’s two recent acquisitions on the Westside of Main Street are beginning to raise concerns with Don Katterhenry that Main Street‘s National Historic District buildings could vanish. Katterhenry, member of the Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association, has sentimental feelings tied to the area. The OSCNA, along with Speedway Junior High Teacher Charles Bennett and his students, have worked several years identifying historical buildings and homes so the Old Speedway City Neighborhood could receive the historic designation.

Katterhenry did not want the historic buildings demolished or building facades changed for the sake of redeveloping Main Street without consulting the National Historic District first. Katterhenry admitted he wouldn’t mind taking a bulldozer to that some of the buildings himself because of the lack of curb appeal and significance.

Katterhenry explained the National Historic District does not have enforcement powers for residents or commercial owners to comply with preserving the historic architectural structures. When the historic district was formed, they agreed they did not want to become micro managers to every architectural detail of upkeep to the historic residential homes.

Katterhenry wanted 1564 Main Street, the former Rexall Drug Store, to be preserved. “It is an historic building to the town. It needs to stay here,” he said.

No plan of demolition was ever uttered by the SRC at the meeting. It was more of a conjecture on Katterhenry’s part of witnessing the March 19 purchase.

He surmised to the SRC if they decided to demolish 1564 Main Street. “You would have rile on your hands if a bulldozer was seen in middle of the store,” he said.

“What are you suggesting we do with it? The upstairs is vacant,” Commissioner Ron Fisher replied.

“I am not suggesting anything. This is the first I have heard about it. I am saying it is historic. I want it in the minutes that SRC should consult with historic district,” he said.

Fisher said the SRC would consult with them before taking action on Main Street.

“You say that now,” Katterhenry said.

Fisher reassured him the SRC would consult with the National Historic District.

Fisher said purchase of the corner building was not “a taking” since Robert E. Butler and Robert L. Butler agreed to the purchase of $152,500. This is one of four properties listed on the amended acquisition list.

SRC President Scott Harris said the SRC initially plans to use the building as income rental, and the tenant is welcome to stay.

In other matters, the SRC approved of the confirmatory resolution creating a second redevelopment area. No one voiced opposition or support during the one-minute public hearing devoted to creating the second area. The second redevelopment area will focus on bringing vitality back to the retail commercial area along Crawfordsville Road corridor, High School Road including Meadowood Shopping Center and International Village Apartments. The redevelopment area captures both major shopping centers on Crawfordsville Road as well as the small strip centers. The area also absorbed Hermitage and Villa Capri Apartments, Roland Manor Assisted Living Center, Speedway Post Office, the strip mall, and the restaurants on the south side of 25th Street.