Anderson’s historic State Theatre building in Anderson has a place on this year’s list of the ten most endangered landmarks in the state.  That list comes from Indiana Landmarks.  And as IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, the State Theatre is a repeat entry from last year.

The theatre opened its doors in 1930. It held strong for decades, but suffered water damage in the 1990’s after the city failed to shut off water to the building. These damages and subsequent the legal battle led to the theatre closing its doors in 2008.

Eastern Regional Director for Indiana Landmarks, Brittany Miller, says the endangered landmarks list is intended to remind people of locations that need help and attention.

“We think, oh, somebody else is taking care of that. I know it’s an issue, but somebody else has it. So, we get in our patterns and the 10 Most Endangered List, I think really kind of makes people stop and think, okay, I thought somebody didn’t need help with this project, but maybe they do.”

An entertainment company had plans to restore the theatre in 2018.  After a legal dispute with the city of Anderson, the project was never completed. The city purchased the building in 2019 for the price of $127,500.

Currently, parts of the original architecture of the theatre are still intact, including its eclectic Spanish Baroque façade, and white and emerald-green glazed terra cotta. Landmark officials are concerned that if the building isn’t restored soon, the interior will face further degradation that may become irreparable. 

Miller says Indiana Landmarks does have a small fund specifically for the listed endangered properties. The fund is designed to pay for studies that help developers understand how best to market their buildings.

Anderson city officials did not return multiple requests for comment.  But officials told the Herald Bulletin that Anderson has no plans to develop or restore the theatre themselves, hoping a buyer comes along.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu.