Tharp Investments has asked for a continuance on a request to demolish 5502 East Washington Street. The firm seeks to remove the former Irvington Post Office and Hook's Drug Store so that they can obtain seven additional parking spaces. The company will make their case in front of the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission in the City County Building on May 2, 2012, at 5:30 PM. Mark your calendars!! More details will be posted as they become available.
Unless I have missed any “business plan” for this property over the last couple of years since the last time we fought for its survival, I’m having serious doubts it can be saved. Even outside of any massive renovations, is the parking thirsty plasma center would never give up spaces reserved for cars that would work at the building let alone any possible clients or visitors. There isn’t parking on its west or south sides either. Tharp is just going to continue to let it rot and the plasma center is just waiting to put a couple more yellow lines on the blacktop. The idea of Ritter and Washington streets northeast corner being replaced with a parking lot is disgusting. Obviously, this intersection in my opinion needs to be saved and restored but it seems like its destiny has literally been painted into a corner. It is completely tragic and heartbreaking. Have any plans been examined? Is Tharp really just playing a waiting game for its demolish or have they been actively trying to find tenets?
ReplyDeleteI share in your cynicism about Tharp's plans for this building. Unfortunately, he has done little to no maintenance. He seems to win by allowing the building to fall in. Of course, we will fight him on this issue. I find it hard to believe that he has not had any luck finding tenants based upon the rest of the Irvington commercial zone. In fact, some on this board have commented that they tried to speak to him about utilizing the space, but nothing came of it. One thing I have learned over the years is that any structure can be saved. I have seen buildings in far worse shape and on the verge of collapse brought back to life. As long as the structure is hostage to Tharp Investments, we will struggle, but we must try to save it. I have learned that the city can seize buildings like this from derelict landlords. Perhaps this course is another option Irvington could pursue. Thanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteMy kids and I always thought this building would make a great ice cream shop! : )
ReplyDeleteI agree!!
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