Terre Haute Destroys History Along National Road: 500 Block Demolished
Most cities learned irreversible decisions to raze historic buildings during 1960’s urban renewal didn’t pay off, but Terre Haute still finds it expedient.
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Hi,
I’m trying to locate a picture of the building at 507 1/2 Wabash(apparently a parking lot now) This was the address of my GG Grandfather(Austin Sweet Jr.) Law Firm. He was murdered by Constable John Vanhook on April 11, 1929. Great pictures
You might contact the Vigo County Library or the Vigo County Historical Society. Both have collections of old photos. The reference collection at the library has old newspapers on microfilm that might include articles on the murder, and the staff there is very helpful.
I, too am searching for a picture of this building! The father Austin and Mary Ellen Johnson Sweet would have been my great grandparents. My grandmother was Martha Sweet Harlow. I was wondering if you ever discovered a picture?
Also if you live nearby? I am from Marshall. We apparently are related!
This town is stagnant decaying. It’s good to see new life breathed into downtown the past 10 years.
Those building set empty for years, rotting to the core. There was nothing to save besides a facade that reminded you of yester-year.
I say good riddance.
Dear Ryan, thank you for participating in this discussion. I agree that it is be good to see “new life breathed in into downtown”. But, i would like to argue that doing so at an expanse of more demolition is unnecessary. I think, it is poor city planning decision in a long run. What I see being build in this town in a past decade has little architectural value or sound quality to withstand next 30 years gracefully. The problem of dysfunctional downtown architecture could be passed onto city’s new generations.
Besides, why did these building stood up empty and dilapidated? Could it be that the owners had little interest to rent and maintain them? Indeed, it is a disgrace the buildings were not used to the full capacity.
The photo you posted of 6th and Wabash in 1869 is magnificent.
That was extemely sad. I’d like to know what percent of the surface area of downtown is concrete. Too much. They will put up a building to replace these beautiful old buildings, but I doubt it will use the space as efficiently.
The Sardonic would be very interested to look into that. We would love to collaborate with the experts for some kind of grass-root study on this question. This continuous argument about lack of parking in downtown area and decrepit architecture seems to be ironic.
There are must be 21-century solutions to both urban architecture and historical preservation. Such evidence is apparent in other cities and states. One does not neglect the other.