CUMBERLAND — The effort to save the historic German Church from demolition moved one big step forward as $75,640 was raised from more than 95 donors.
Last month, St. John United Church of Christ, which owns the vacant building, asked for $75,000 by May 4 in order to keep the current agreement to purchase open until March of 2018. The congregation extended the deadline to May 8 when it saw fundraising efforts had gained momentum.
Indianapolis-based TWG Development LLC has agreed to buy the building, contingent on the awarding of affordable-housing tax credits, and build senior apartments. Unfortunately, the tax credits have been delayed by the federal budget process, leaving the congregation to pay for ongoing maintenance.
TWG is talking with the congregation about an extension of their contract which would allow time to determine if the project will be taken off the wait list for housing tax credits, or for a resubmittal for 2018 if necessary.
“Raising $75,000 was a monumental undertaking and we are so thankful to have had Indiana Landmarks as a partner in this effort. It could not have been done without them,” said Town Manager April Fisher. “The number of donations we received shows just how much the community values the German Church and is committed to its preservation. We also would like to thank the St. John Congregation and TWG for their patience and support.”
