Main Street Warsaw seeks grants to study converting county-owned church into multiuse arts space; commissioners approve application

Main Street Warsaw representatives asked the county to approve an application for a Lillian (Lily) Endowment arts and cultural readiness grant to fund a Phase 1 feasibility and market study for converting the county-owned church at 202 West Main into a community arts facility.

Presenters said the initial study would cost about $22,100 and would produce the market analysis and cost estimates required for larger capital grant applications. Susie Light and other Main Street representatives described the envisioned project — stabilization and prioritized repairs (estimated in meeting remarks between $1 million and $5 million), a Festival Street design, an art/sculpture play park and alley-activation work — and said the community foundation has approved seed funding to support the study submission.

The council approved the request to apply for the study grant. One council member recorded an opposition vote, saying the location’s proximity to the sheriff’s department and future fiscal/safety implications motivated the dissent, but the motion carried by voice vote. Presenters and several council members argued the study is a necessary first step: "If we don't ask, we don't get," one proponent said.

What it means: The study, if funded, would establish whether the church can be stabilized and repurposed and would position the county and community partners to pursue capital grants to cover construction and rehabilitation costs. The council’s approval permits Main Street Warsaw and its foundation partners to proceed with the application; the county's approval is limited to permitting the application and potential reimbursement processes, not a commitment to provide construction funding.

Next steps: If awarded, the study will be performed and will inform future grant requests and decisions about operation and capital fundraising. Councilors suggested following the county’s grant procedures more closely in the future so applications are routed in advance of quick deadlines.