Logansport, Indiana (Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Wabash: for sale, 2010, apartments)

[Patsthings]

I have just recently heard of the town of Logansport, Indiana while searching a site that offered links to historic property for sale. They have several beautiful houses in a neighborhood called Bankers' Row and one in particular that interests us. We are looking for a old home in need of restoration. We are not looking to restore and sell or rent, but to restore and become an active part of a community interested in preservation of its older homes. We are planning a visit as soon as the weather will allow a quick road trip, but wondered if there was anyone out there who was familiar with Logansport in the meantime.
Thanks,
Pat

[Southside Shrek]

Pat
I have only made trips in and out of Logansport and never lived there. It's an old railroad town which never impressed me as having much beauty and charm. People I know who grew up in Logansport are no longer residing there and seem happier to be living elsewhere.

[Brian1965]

I was born and raised in a rural community very close to Logansport. Immediately after high school, I left the area because it really had nothing to offer. All of my immediate & extended family still live in Logansport or near the area, so I will gladly offer some info about the area.

Banker's Row is just west of downtown along the Eel River. The Eel and Wabash Rivers converge about 1/4 of a mile downstream from Banker's Row. There are multiple houses along the lower end of Banker's Row that are up for sale, especially so in the area where Eel River Avenue meets Market St at the bridge to cross the river. Given the condition of these homes, it will take a substantial (and I mean SUBSTANTIAL) investment to make these homes livable. Not too many years ago, there was a hap-hazard attempt to remodel some of these homes into apartments. The end result was horrible. In some cases, some of the original masonry was damaged and now many of these homes are boarded up. A few of the other homes along the lower end of Banker's Row remain apartment homes which are highly visible eye sores. (The main thoroughfare from east to west going through Logansport passes directly infront of the lower end of Banker's Row where these homes are situated.)

Many of the homes on the upper end of Banker's Row have been nicely remodeled. About half of them are occupied by businesses... law firms, interior designer, etc.

I get back to Logansport annually, and what I have witnessed over the years is quite disheartening and sad. In the past 15 years, the area has been beset with troubling economic news that is largely linked to domestic auto production. It seems many of the citizens struggle just to survive, and the influx of illegal hispanics has further compounded the financial burdens. Like other communities, these persons have little or no valuable skills but the employers are hiring them because they will work for virtually nothing. Few of them speak English or make positive economic and community contributions. Frequently, these illegals experience run-ins with law enforcement.

The largest employers in town are...
Tyson Foods (pork processing plant)
Logansport School Corporation
Logansport State Hospital (psychiatric hospital)
Memorial Hospital
Federal Mogul (auto parts)
Kauffman Engineering (electrical wiring components)
Cass County Gov't
City of Logansport
Small Parts (metal stampings)
Tinnerman-Palnut (metal stampings)
Matthew Warren (springs and stampings)

It's been one economic setback after another. There are few industries left in town, and good paying jobs are a rarity. (If you aren't aware, Indiana has a significant problem with retaining citizens, especially college grads and younger residents). In recent years, local economic officials have tried to lure companies to the area, but efforts have largely been fruitless. Perhaps things will improve when the state of Indiana finishes the construction of the Hoosier Heartland Corridor (the new U.S. 24), but don't hold your breath. The state continues to be indecisive about when the corridor will be completed. As of now, the corridor goes from Logansport to Fort Wayne. Construction of the corridor from Logansport to Lafayette hasn't begun, although the governor's office says it hopes to have it completed by 2010 - 2012. The rolling joke around the city are citizens reminding one another that the last one to leave the town needs to remember to turn the lights off.

The number of homes for sale in Logansport and the surrounding area tells the story -- even the most prestigous addresses on the east end of town have plenty of homes for sale. It's obvious many people have given up and simply left town.

There's virtually nothing in the mall, except for Sears, Penney's and Dunham's Sporting Goods, (these stores anchor the east, center and west ends of the building).

[Southside Shrek]

Brian1965
You gave an excellent assessment of Logansport. Sadly, it's a city in a prolonged downward slide.

[Patsthings]

I want to thank you both for your thoughts. It is really the first time I have looked at Indiana to relocate in retirement, but the house did speak to me. I wondered why I could not find anything too much on the town and was a little put off by that in the first place. My home state is Illinois and I was born and have always lived in the Chicago area. I have family in Wisconsin and Michigan and wish to stay in the area, but not Chicago as it has outpriced my house restoration plans. Very sad about Logansport, yet there are so many other like it.

Anyway, I thank you both again for most valuable input.

Pat

[Kado Downs]

Patsthings, So sorry that you had to hear terrible things about such a great community. Logansport is a wonderful little community with alot going for it.

Sad to say the biggest problem with Logansport, is what plagues most small communities.....some people with nothing but negative things to say.

Bankers Row is in revival mode and there is a few problems still existing with the Historic Neighborhood, but that is changing rapidly. There are currently 4 properties for sale on the row in desparate need of renovation. And there are 2 that are completely restored and currently on the market. I bet the one that caught your eye was the Tower House. That house is currently being stabilized by HLFI ( Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana). They are currently very active in Logansport, restoring and preserving historic structures.

Please check out this site: Loganslanding.com

This is the Local mainstreet group that is in charge of the downtown (Logan's Landing) is what we call the downtown business district.

You can call the Logan's Landing office at 574-722-9345 and talk to Shae Young, she is the Executive Director and she can give you all the details on the tower house and the rest of the Row.

Banker's Row was just designated a State Historical Site. Is this something a state would do if it was a ran down area with no hope??? And there is a new park that is being dedicated right across the street from the tower house. This is a new park that includes a huge marble fountain. It will be dedicated during the Bankers Row festival on May 12th of this year. And yes that neighborhood has it's own assosiation ( Friends of banker's Row) and it's own annual festival.

New businesses are moving into town every month and Logansport is on an upswing. Don't be discouraged about 2 negative people who obviously doesn't know very much about Logansport. Give us a shot.

My name is Kado Downs, And I am the President of the Logansport Historical Commission Board of Review and you may contact me at 574-753-4595 anytime. I would love to discuss things in more detail. We can arrange for you a place to stay while visiting our city, and we will be glad to give you a tour. Hope to hear from you soon.

[Southside Shrek]

Kado Downs
it's great to hear that all kinds of new businesses are moving into Logansport every month. can you name a few of them and give some specifics such as the number of new jobs being created and the pay scales?

[Kado Downs]

[quote=

Banker's Row is just west of downtown along the Eel River. The Eel and Wabash Rivers converge about 1/4 of a mile downstream from Banker's Row. There are multiple houses along the lower end of Banker's Row that are up for sale, especially so in the area where Eel River Avenue meets Market St at the bridge to cross the river. Given the condition of these homes, it will take a substantial (and I mean SUBSTANTIAL) investment to make these homes livable. Not too many years ago, there was a hap-hazard attempt to remodel some of these homes into apartments. The end result was horrible. In some cases, some of the original masonry was damaged and now many of these homes are boarded up. A few of the other homes along the lower end of Banker's Row remain apartment homes which are highly visible eye sores. (The main thoroughfare from east to west going through Logansport passes directly infront of the lower end of Banker's Row where these homes are situated.)

Many of the homes on the upper end of Banker's Row have been nicely remodeled. About half of them are occupied by businesses... law firms, interior designer, etc.


The number of homes for sale in Logansport and the surrounding area tells the story -- even the most prestigous addresses on the east end of town have plenty of homes for sale. It's obvious many people have given up and simply left town.

There's virtually nothing in the mall, except for Sears, Penney's and Dunham's Sporting Goods, (these stores anchor the east, center and west ends of the building).[/QUOTE]

I don't know when the last time you was in Logan but, there is no homes boarded up on Banker's Row. I do agree with you on the apartment issue, there was one that was a disaster as far as the home goes and alot of the original details were taken off. luckily the house is up for sale and responsible people are now interested in it. And the House with Masonary problems has been purchased and is in the process of being restored. The Row looks better than it has in 50 years and it just getting better. The city and Cole hardwood is investing Hundred of thousands of dollars in a new park on the row. I just don't get the negative comments, unless, like I expect......you haven't been back in years to see the progress.

Oh and by the way, the reason for alot of homes for sale on the East end of town is a direct result of the people Building bigger houses further east. several muli=million dollar homes have been built in the jones lake area in the past 2 years. We're far from impoverished.

And we have no illegal alien problems aswell.

Sorry you have a bad outlook on Logansport. But, you are wrong.

[Kado Downs]

Southside,
I'm sure the answer you're looking for is that a fortune 500 company with top paying jobs is moving into town. You and I both know the chances of that is slim even for the most competetive of cities. Eventhough I can't tell you the company's name and details. There is a substantial company moving to Logansport from Michigan, very soon. But lets treat this as Rumor until the news breaks...sometime within the next two weeks. I'm going to assume the pay will be moderate.

Within the last year, work has started on the new Ethynol Plant, A new Dairy Operation has moved into the county, 6 new resturants, A tool and Die manufacturer has located here,and a New Holiday inn is being built.

Now if you want to know symantecs.....I'm the wrong person to talk to. I'm just pointing out the facts that Logansport is on an upswing, and anything but what was described by some of the previous posts.

[Southside Shrek]

Kado Downs
WLFI TV 18 News down here had a segment about the Hispanic community in Logansport and how it was integrating into the community.