Time runs out, salvage operation starts at house St. Mary targeted for demolition in 2018

Diocese makes the move seven years after demolition plan was met with protest, gives Wabash Valley Trust time to save architectural features. Plus, what to know before the Christmas Parade.

• Support for this edition comes from Purdue Musical Organizations, presenting the 92nd annual Purdue Christmas Show. It’s here. The Christmas Show will shine Boilermaker bright with an all-student cast, festive music and dazzling performances. Tickets are now on sale for the Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, shows, where audiences of all ages will come together to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at this timeless Purdue tradition. Get your tickets here.

Get tickets for shows Saturday or Sunday

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• Thanks also for ongoing support from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets and details on all the shows and events, go to longpac.org.

Get tickets here

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TIME RUNS OUT, SALVAGE OPERATION STARTS AT HOUSE ST. MARY TARGETED FOR DEMOLITION IN 2018

Limestone architectural features were being stripped and salvaged this week from the façade of a 19th century home near the base of the St. Mary neighborhood, as the Lafayette Diocese signaled time’s up on a house that neighbors, the city and historic preservation fans had been trying to save since 2018.

Efforts that continued into recent months weren’t enough to save the whole structure and move it to a new home across the street, city officials said, as the diocese looked to clear the lot and other parts of the block for future uses.

(Photo: Dave Bangert)

“When it was clear that moving the house was not going to happen and demolition was inevitable, we worked on the next best thing and began salvage operations to make sure many of the home’s features continued to grace our Old City,” Sean Lutes, who was coordinating the salvage work this week through the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation, said.

“I’m not happy about the demolition, but I’m also not going to let perfect be the enemy of the good when we were given a real opportunity to salvage much of the home’s historic fabric,” Lutes said. “Fireplaces, staircases, doors, windows, interior shutters, chandeliers, porch woodwork, sinks, even mechanicals were able to be salvaged and given new life.”