People Engaged in Preservation is announcing a Top Six Most Endangered Places in LaPorte List just in time for National Preservation Month held annually in May of each year according to Ron McAtee, President of the organization.  “There are many, many historical buildings in LaPorte.  It was difficult to pick just 6.” he said.

The purpose of the list is to highlight and educate people about the fact that there are historic proprieties that are important and endangered for whatever reason.  Listing a property can’t keep it from disappearing; however, PEP hopes that publishing the list will draw attention to endangered structures in our community so that all options can be considered in saving them.    In 2010 it was decided to add one more property to the list making it 6 structures.  The 6 buildings on the "most endangered list" are structures that contribute to the historical ambiance of our town, and most are rated as "landmark-worthy" in the LaPorte County Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (i.e. Interim Report).

Building Address	Picture	Built Around	Reason for Worry	Possible Reuse
Coddington Building, 612 Monroe Street		ca 1915	Known by many as a building where apparel was made and sold, in the days when La Porte was a significant garment-making center.  Standing a full 5 stories tall, this imposing century old Chicago-style edifice is the 2nd tallest historic building in downtown La Porte (after the Courthouse).  This solidly built structure is ideally situated in an area of increasingly restored structures.	Based upon its open floor plan, and large windows (currently shuttered), it would make an ideal adaptive reuse as desirable “urban loft” residences.
Dick Building, 1002-4 Lincolnway		1906	The Dick Building was built by Mr. Clemens Dick in Romanesque Revival style. It is a three story brick building with basement, two store rooms - first story, offices on the second floor and lodge rooms in the third story. Ben Hur Lodge moved into these rooms when the building was completed. George W. Allen was the Architect and Charles and Fred Struss were the Contractors. Has been for sale for a long time with no occupants on top floors on spotty rentals at street level.	Retail stores, apartments above.
First Baptist Church, at the southwest corner of Indiana and Jefferson Avenues		1877	Was built in Gothic Revival.  About a decade ago the building was designated historic by the City of La Porte.  The structure’s architecture is rated “outstanding” (the very highest rating) in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory.  The church’s interior is stunning, with its original woodwork, extraordinary stained glass, and an ideal seating arrangement.	Community / Senior center since the church is in an enviable location, situated within one block of the courthouse, city hall, and the library
Jiffy Pop Building, 506 Clay St.			This is where the Jiffy Pop Company started out. Fred Mennen is credited with developing the product in 1958, after five years of experiments, Fred Mennen completed the first Jiffy Pop pop-in-pan container. He began marketing his product, featuring natural and butter flavors, in 1959, and a year later it was distributed to every major U.S. market. The property now sits abandoned with many windows broken.	Offices or light manufacturing
Pine Lake fire station (Old North)		1929	Was designed by local architect Arthur C. Steigley and built by Joseph Goodall.  It opened for use in 1929, the final year of the Roaring 20’s, and its imaginative “storybook style” architecture (extremely rare for a public building) captures the optimism and confidence of the era.  With redevelopment pending behind the station, PEP believes in preserving the structure.	Tourist Center -- utilizing it as a design motif in any new development would provide continuity and character.
Former St. John’s Lutheran School, 3rd & A streets		1893	Offers a dramatic fortress-like presence to the neighborhood.  The elaborate High Victorian structure, built in Romanesque Revival style, with its copper gutters, roof finials, brick corbelling, and bell tower, is currently vacant.  (It has been out of the hands of St. John’s for many years.)  With its excellent location, large windows, and prominent and prestigious architecture.	The building is an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse for upscale lofts, or other high-end uses.