The Lake Court House Foundation Inc., which runs the Old Lake County Courthouse on the square in downtown Crown Point, is operating on a deficit for the first time since the organization took control of the building in the 1970s.   The Foundation does not receive taxpayer dollars and doesn't have the membership and number of bequests it has had in the past. While the courthouse has a steady income from renting shops on the lower level and offices in the upper levels, it's not enough to cover the expenses of running the building or taking care of a major problem should one arise.

"It's like living in an old house," "There's always something that needs attention."

The courthouse was built in 1878 for $52,000 and served as the county courthouse for almost 100 years until the county outgrew the building in the 1970s and built the complex on North Main Street.

While there was money set aside for demolition of the Old Lake County Courthouse, a group of residents formed the nonprofit organization that saved the building. The demolition money was used to restore the building.


****Resident Dean White of Crown Point is sending out a challenge to fellow Northwest Indiana citizens to dig deep and donate to help preserve our grand old courthouse.  He will match every dollar donated through the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. The challenge ends on June 30, 2012.

How you can  HELP

To donate to the Lake Court House Foundation, Inc. or become a member, call (219) 663-0660 or write to the foundation at P.O. Box 556, Crown Point, IN 46308. Donation Form

Source: nwi.com Old courthouse in C.P. hit by money woes
Source: Post Tribune Crown Point billionaire challenges public to patch up courthouse