TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A historic building along Wabash Avenue is undergoing a restoration project.
The Indiana Landmarks Foundation is leading the project that originally began in 2018, but was slowed down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The 118-year-old building hoists a plate that reads ‘Terre Haute First National Bank’, but it has served numerous purposes during its time.
The building has been vacant since 2008 and there was talk of potential demolition plans, but Indiana Landmarks stepped in to restore the building. Indiana Landmarks Western Regional Office Director Tommy Kleckner said the project is currently in the interior stabilization phase.
“Indiana Landmarks has been working to complete stabilization,” Kleckner said. “We’re working to just stabilize the building.”
After years of vacancy, some of the buildings historical value and pieces are either gone or have deteriorated. Kleckner pointed out some paneling and tile pieces in the arch-shaped atrium area that will need work.
It’s easy to overlook the roughly three story high building that’s located squarely in Terre Haute’s downtown. With many new buildings calling this area home, Kleckner said that restore this building will add to the area’s vibrance.
“It’s been underutilized for nearly two decades now and we want to see this become a vibrant edition to downtown,” Kleckner explained.
As for the end goal of the project, Kleckner said that decision will be made once the restoration is complete in July.
