A Rare Opportunity to Restore a Historic Arts & Crafts Landmark in Marion, Indiana

For buyers with vision, passion, and an appreciation for architectural history, opportunities like this come along only once in a generation.

Located at 917 S Adams Street in Marion, Indiana, this remarkable American Arts & Crafts home with a two-story carriage house offers a rare chance to own and restore one of the city’s most historically significant properties. Priced at $50,000, the estate represents both a preservation project and an investment opportunity with extraordinary potential.

A Home Built by a Master Craftsman

Constructed in 1909 by Samuel Plato, a renowned architect and master builder, this property stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship. The Arts & Crafts movement emphasized quality materials, hand-crafted details, and architectural integrity—principles clearly evident throughout the main residence.

From its solid masonry construction to its intricate interior details, the home was designed to endure and inspire.

The exterior masonry of the main house has already been fully restored, and the roof has been replaced, providing an excellent structural foundation for future renovation. Additionally, the property is protected by a preservation covenant through Indiana Landmarks, ensuring its historical integrity is maintained for generations to come.

Timeless Interior Features

Stepping inside the main residence reveals the elegance and charm that defined the Arts & Crafts era. Though the home requires extensive renovation, many original features remain intact and ready to be revived.

Highlights include:

Original hardwood floors throughout much of the home

A classic fireplace that anchors the living space

Leaded glass pocket doors, offering both beauty and functionality

Detailed crown molding that adds sophistication to each room

One of the home’s most striking features is the gorgeous oak staircase, which rises gracefully to a second-floor landing. This landing showcases built-in cabinetry and leaded glass windows, flooding the space with natural light while highlighting the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

The main home offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including two full baths and one half bath, providing ample space for a large family, guests, or future business use.

The Historic Carriage House

Situated at the corner of the property is a two-story carriage house, a rare and valuable feature that significantly enhances the property’s versatility. The ground floor includes a three-car garage, ideal for personal use or business parking. Above the garage is a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment, perfect for rental income, guest accommodations, or live-work possibilities.

This carriage house opens the door to numerous creative uses, whether as a private residence, artist studio, office space, or short-term rental. Few historic properties offer such a functional and adaptable secondary structure.

Endless Possibilities for Use

One of the most compelling aspects of this property is its flexibility. While it can certainly be restored as a grand private residence, its size, layout, parking capacity, and location make it suitable for a wide range of commercial or mixed-use applications.

Potential uses include:

Bed and Breakfast or boutique inn

Professional office or law firm

Retail shop or café

Event space or creative studio

Live-work residence

With plenty of parking space and both attached and uncovered parking options, the property is well-equipped to support business operations while retaining its historic charm.

Renovation Opportunity and Investment Potential

Both the main house and carriage house require extensive renovation, and the property is being sold “AS IS.” This makes it ideal for buyers experienced in restoration projects or investors looking to capitalize on the growing demand for unique historic properties.

The restored masonry and new roof already represent significant cost savings, allowing future owners to focus their renovation budget on interior updates and modern systems.

Given the property’s historic designation and architectural significance, restoration efforts may also qualify for historic tax credits or preservation grants, depending on the scope of work and buyer eligibility.

A Commitment to Preservation

The protective covenant through Indiana Landmarks ensures that any renovation or redevelopment respects the property’s historic character. While this requires thoughtful planning, it also preserves the long-term value and cultural importance of the estate. Buyers who appreciate historic architecture will find this covenant to be an asset rather than a limitation.

A Rare Find at an Unmatched Price

At just $50,000, this property offers an extraordinary entry point into historic ownership. Few homes of this caliber—especially those designed by notable architects and featuring additional structures like a carriage house—are available at such an accessible price.

For the right buyer, this is more than a real estate purchase; it is an opportunity to revive a landmark, contribute to Marion’s architectural legacy, and create something truly special.

Conclusion

The historic Arts & Crafts home at 917 S Adams Street is a canvas waiting for transformation. With its rich history, irreplaceable architectural details, dual structures, and flexible usage potential, it stands as one of Marion’s most exciting restoration opportunities.

Whether envisioned as a stately residence, a thriving business, or a combination of both, this property invites creativity, dedication, and respect for the past.

For those willing to invest the time and care required, the reward is the chance to bring a historic masterpiece back to life—and to own a truly one-of-a-kind property in the heart of Indiana.

FROM ZILLOW

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