Historic Ferdinand home receives preservation grant

Today, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced the Peter Muller home where Traditional Arts Today, Inc. is located in Ferdinand was one of seven properties that received Historic Renovation Grants.

Ann Knebel, owner of the home at 314 West 9th and cofounder of Traditional Arts Today, was awarded $11,175 to preserve the Peter Muller House. Built between 1865 and 1870, this Georgian, Italianate house has been transformed into a mixed-use property with half being occupied by the nonprofit organization and the remainder is residential. 

“Maintaining Indiana’s historic fabric and character is vital to growing the state’s economy and attracting talent,” said Crouch. “Preservation efforts like the Historic Renovation Grant Program can ensure a future for vacant or neglected commercial properties that might otherwise be lost.”

The Historic Renovation Grant Program, in its third year, is a comprehensive grant program designed to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties in order to further incentivize downtown economic development. The funding for this year has been exhausted through the projects listed below and the program is now suspended until more funding is allocated next legislative session.

“Restoring and protecting these historic sites help these communities attract visitors and grow their local economy,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “We are excited this grant is helping our rural communities continue to thrive while preserving a piece of Indiana history.”

Each property received funding for the renovation and preservation of exterior features. Such renovations include roof replacement, masonry restoration, repair and replacement of windows, façade renovation and/or chimney improvements.