At its November program meeting, the Delphi Preservation Society got to see first hand the product of the restoration process at The Green Door located at 834 Main Street in Lafayette. Owners Dick and Karyl Traeger, themselves members of DPS, hosted an open house at the store. Dick showed pictures of what the space looked like when they acquired it, described the process of renovating the structures, and then led a tour that included a third-floor apartment looking out over Lafayette at night. The transformation from the dilapidated building seen in the “before” pictures to the gleaming façade and well-appointed retail and residential space was inspiring to witness. “Not everyone can look at a run-down building and envision what it might look like when restored,” said Traeger. “Karyl and I wanted to share our experience with other DPS members…particularly as we start on the restoration of the Ruffing Opera House in downtown Delphi.”

Dick Traeger shows Tom Atkinson (left), Andy Cougill, and Joanne Germond photos of The Green Door & adjoining space before renovation of the buildings

Following refreshments at The Green Door, the group walked the few blocks to the Cracker Factory condominium project at 216 N. Sixth Street. There architect Mark Scharer, also a DPS member, led the group on a tour of the building, including a look at the garage, a completed unit on the second floor, and one under construction on the third floor. Of special interest to the group was a chance to ride in the EcoSpace elevator used in the Cracker Factory. According to Scharer: “This elevator utilizes a gearless traction device rather than a hydraulic lift and is more economical in its space requirements, operating costs, and maintenance than a hydraulic unit.” DPS is considering this type of elevator to provide access to the third-floor Opera House and stage.

The Delphi Preservation Society is restoring the façade of the Assion-Ruffing City Hall building on the east side of the square in downtown Delphi with completion expected in July 2007. Also under way is the planning process to produce schematic designs for the restoration of the third-floor Opera House and for the interior of the City Hall structure.

For further information about the Delphi Preservation Society, Inc. and its activities, please contact Anita Werling at awerling@delphipreservationsociety.org or visit our web site at www.delphipreservationsociety.org.