'Kruizin' With Karl'

Karl Merritt

Something has been on my mind recently and this may be the "forum" to bring it out. I am wondering what the fate will be of the Thomas Marshall Town Life Center? Allow me to highlight some of the situations of the TMTLC that has me thinking in these terms.

Approximately 20 years ago the Thomas Marshall Building was on the "extinict" list for buildings in North Manchester. The local school board was ready to dispose of the building and raze it. Some citizens of the community, led by John Curtis, stepped in to save the building and suggest a Town Life Center in the structure. This was successful with the Shepherd's Center locating there along with the MHA, WIC, AA, Historical Society Museum, ECR and Welfare. Others also came along - Garber/Simmons Senior Center, Learn More Center, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Society, etc....With time, several moved away, rents increased, and the Thomas Marshall Town Center is struggling.

The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana (HLFI) assumed ownership of the building in 2004 and, with help from various state agencies and private funding, were able to remodel and make many improvements to the building. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places through the efforts of Fern Baldwin, Howard Uhrig, and others working on the project. The HLFI declared a "window" of no more that ten years to "own" the building and moves are being made to find an appropriate owner. The problem is no one wants to assume ownership.

What is the answer? We have an outstanding building renovated with new windows, new heating/cooling systems, new elevator, new restrooms, etc.... and what happens from here? There is not a lot we can do except encourage the continued use of the facility and if you have suggestions, share your thoughts about a possible owner. Let us work to keep this facility for the use of North Manchester residents and keep the Thomas Marshall Building as a true Town Life Center.