In fall 2017, DePauw University engaged an engineering firm to assess the structural integrity of the property at 208 E. Seminary St., known as the O’Hair House.

The findings were shared with the City of Greencastle, the Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County and Indiana Landmarks in summer 2018. At that time, DePauw expressed its concern of the safety of the structure and cost to repair damaged and deteriorating elements, such as foundation stones, floor and roof joists within a preservation mindset.

That group agreed to engage Matheu Architects, experts in historic preservation to further evaluate. Their findings were reviewed by the Preservation Society, Indiana Landmarks, the city and DePauw in fall 2019. The cost to preserve the structure was estimated to be nearly $1.5 million. This group agreed to allow Indiana Landmarks pursue its preservation network for partners willing to fund and preserve the structure.

After two years, no viable path with the necessary funding could be identified by DePauw, the city, the Preservation Society or Indiana Landmarks.

In 2022, with the structure unsafe and neither DePauw, the Preservation Society nor Indiana Landmarks able to identify a source of funding for a complete restoration, the university took the structure down.

DePauw respects our history and preservation, and demolition, therefore, was a painful but necessary decision.

Warren Whitesell Associate Vice President for Facilities Management DePauw University