Published: May 09, 2008 12:01 pm         

Depot on endangered list

SYRACUSE, Ind. — Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana recently announced its annual 10 Most Endangered list of Hoosier Landmarks, and a local landmark received the dubious distinction.

The Syracuse Train Depot, located on East Medusa Street and built in 1913 at a time when trains were a more frequently used mode of transportation, was put on the list by the foundation. CSX Corp., which owns the depot and many others in the state, cites the building’s dilapidated condition as justification for demolition.

Mark Baumgartner, co-chairman of the Syracuse Train Depot Committee, said that having the depot on the statewide list is “definitely something we were hoping for.”

“It shows the importance of a small-town building to be on the list,” Baumgartner said. “It was a welcoming sight to people coming into Syracuse.”

Depots are adaptable to new uses, but CSX officials insist the building must be moved, which removes the landmark’s historic context and drives up the cost of restoration, Baumgartner said.

Baumgartner noted the movement to keep the building intact is “gaining momentum,” but until CSX no longer owns the building, people are hesitant to donate money to restore it.

The other sites throughout the state on the list are:

• Bush Stadium, Indianapolis

• Old Lowell Grade School, Lowell

• Maple Grove Road Historic District, Bloomington

• Colgate-Palmolive plant and clock, Clarksville

• Jennings Building, New Castle

• Indianapolis Public School #97

• Twin Bays, Lawrenceburg

• Washington Avenue Historic District, Evansville

• Wollenmann House, Ferdinand