Southern Indiana Masonic temple saved from demolition

January 07, 2018 11:15 AM

UPDATED 4 MINUTES AGO

A nearly century-old Masonic temple that was facing possible demolition in southern Indiana will become the headquarters of a real estate company.

The Jeffersonville building's current owner had sparked an outcry in the Ohio River city when he sought a permit to demolish the brick and limestone Neoclassical-style building.

But The News and Tribune reports that Denton-Floyd Real Estate Group announced last week that it plans to buy the 91-year-old temple and turn it into its corporate headquarters, and a space for events.

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore says finding a buyer has been a struggle. But he says everyone in the city recognizes the value in the beautiful building.

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The temple was built in 1926 and is on Indiana Landmarks' list of the state's 10 most endangered historic buildings.