Pimento Community Center: Introduction

Introduction

The Pimento School is strategically located between a busy regional highway and idyllic rural countryside. Its history reflects the latter, but its future is intrinsically tied to the modern highway and the urban centers which it connects. Nonetheless, the Pimento School serves, as it has for nearly three quarters of a century, the rural families, senior citizens and individuals who live in this pastoral pocket of Indiana landscape. It is their enthusiasm for the building and its potential for new service that have engendered this report.

Pimento School, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was formed - the result of local interest. The building was purchased from its former owners (who had long ago vacated the premises) with the assistance of a generous loan from Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Now, local support is swelling and a regional planning agency is helping the organization seek rehabilitation funds. The goals of the citizens have been voiced: To create a Community Center which would serve old and young alike and which would offer much needed - public space.

The program which was decided upon, included rehabilitation of the auditorium/gymnasium for public functions, performances, sports and other community uses. In addition, the classrooms would be prepared for use as, variously, studios, after-school program areas, and rental offices for township officials. Further an office would be provided for the center director, maintenance and administration.

Laborers from a nearby prison have been active in the rigorous process of removing inappropriate walls and window infill, added during the later years of the building's life. Their job has been made much easier, thanks to innumerable hours donated by local volunteers. These local citizen have cleaned up falling plaster, soggy ceiling tile, and rotting carpets - filling innumerable bags with trash for removal off site. The dream of a new Community Center for old and young in this small rural town is not yet realized, but it is certainly taking shape.