You probably have enough change in your pocket to buy the historic Elkhart Armory right now. There is a catch, of course. You also have to have a big plan, and be willing to make a big investment.
"The sky is the limit. It could be a restaurant on the first level. It's got the ground floor out to the Riverside which is unusual here in Elkhart," says Todd Zeiger of Indiana Landmarks.
The purchase may be cheap, but the renovations and repairs will be expensive. Engineers estimate the work couple run into the millions.
On top of the regular upgrades, a portion of the roof also recently collapsed. Economic Development Director Barkley Garrett says the collapse means the building may have to be demolished if a developer doesn't step up.
If you step in and save the building the city is willing to invest what it would have spent on the demo. Giving the right person, with the right funds, a rare opportunity to invest in Elkhart's future and save a piece of the city's history at the same time.
Engineers have studied the building, and we're told the bones are solid.
Time is ticking, though. The city will only be taking investor's ideas and proposals until the end of March.
