By Cornerstone Board of Directors—
MUNCIE, IN—The Masonic Temple’s majestic presence has graced Muncie downtown’s eastern edge since 1926. Since 2006, it has housed Cornerstone Center for the Arts. As Cornerstone celebrates the 100th anniversary of this historic building, it is taking an important step toward preserving the Temple’s future through the development of a Historic Structure Report.
This comprehensive Historic Structure Report includes condition assessments and recommendations related to the long-term preservation, rehabilitation, and continued use of the landmark building. This Report is being prepared by a team of architects and structural and mechanical engineers spearheaded by Indianapolis based RATIO. RATIO brings years of experience developing such reports and will evaluate many aspects of the building simultaneously. Following an initial tour of the building, RATIO stated how well the 100 year old Temple has been maintained.
The 120,000 sq. ft Masonic Temple has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984 for its architectural significance. The Report will serve as a thorough record of existing conditions while identifying historic architectural and artistic elements and provide strategies to minimize loss, damage, or adverse impact on these elements. Through a deeper understanding of the building’s historic character, the report will help Cornerstone’s board and community stakeholders explore future opportunities for preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of the building that continue to meet community needs.
This Report is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Matching funds are provided by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and Indiana Landmarks.
Today, this magnificent building is home to Cornerstone Center of the Arts who stewards its continued maintenance for the benefit of the community. Cornerstone’s mission is to engage and enrich our community by providing education and opportunities for creative expression, keep our community connected as an event and gathering place, and preserve and protect the historic status of the property, for its continuing use as a resource to meet the diverse needs of the citizens of East Central Indiana.
“This project represents an important investment in both our building and our region,” said Cornerstone Center for the Arts Executive Director, Treva McJury. “As we celebrate 100 years of this historic structure, the Cornerstone board and team are grateful for the partners and supporters who recognize the importance of preserving a space that has served generations through community connection, and now also through arts and education.”
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