Drugstores: A Success Story at Hose House No. 5
IndianaThe Threat
In early 2000 Walgreens proposed to build a new 16,000 square foot drugstore at the intersection of St. Joseph and West Franklin Streets. The proposed site threatened an historic firehouse, Hose House No. 5, an impressive Romanesque Revival structure built in 1907. A survey conducted by the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office listed the fire station as an outstanding contribution to local architecture. Closed in 1988, the building was rehabilitated to functioned as the headquarters for a marketing company.
The Preservation Effort
Upon learning of the proposal, the West Side Neighborhood Association formulated an opposition plan. The well-organized community group voiced several major concerns, including the potential loss of a city treasure, destruction of community character, and increased traffic. The city shared the same concerns and was supportive in the association’s opposition to the plan. Both the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the National Trust for Historic Preservation offered advocacy support and technical assistance on the local front.
The Result
In April of 2000, Walgreens decided against constructing a drugstore at Hose House No. 5. Saving the building has capped several years of important preservation and rehabilitation to important structures within Evansville. The firehouse joins the Farmers Market and the Old Courthouse as symbols of the community’s willingness to fight and retain its local landmarks.
For more information contact:
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana/
National Trust for Historic Preservation Evansville, IN
812-423-2988
