Jason Hamlin’s Save The Oddfellow

A few weeks ago, I declared my love for this building, this wonderful old building in Southport, Indiana. The old "Oddfellow's Hall" is a 10,000 square foot 1899 brick building. It's been a ballroom, a lodge and eventually an apartment building. And, finally, today it's just a worn out old building waiting for its new life. 
 I warned you. And so here I am, hand held out. I can make this work, I can save this historic building, but I cannot do it alone.

So here's the plan. In phase one, I will clean out the entire building, including removal of lead and asbestos. I'll replace all the windows, add an elevator to the exterior of the building and generally button it up. Phase two will begin with the good stuff. 

I'll start a not-for-profit organization that will convert the basement and the first two floors into low cost artists' studios available to local artists in need. This will give the building a purpose and a means of generating income while keeping costs low (zoning for artists' non-residence units requires restrooms only, avoiding the costs of extra walls, doors, and kitchens). This will give phase three its funding.

Phase three will turn the top floor into a permanent home for my family. Should a kidney transplant come into my future, my family will be protected from the loss of disability insurance with a home to live in and a small amount of income from the units below. And if no transplant ever arrives, the security will manifest itself in protection against medical bills, hospital visits and a home for me to dialyze in for the rest of my life.

I have made friends with a Southport city council member, my future neighbor, and he has passed along the good word for me to the current owner (and Southport's former mayor). The owner has proposed "creative" financing options to me, several of which make this project completely doable. I've hired an architect, a lawyer, an accountant and an environmental guy (to remove the lead and asbestos) - it even looks like I've got a general contractor.

And this, you guessed it, is where you come in. I need start-up funds for this to take off. For tax reasons, I can currently only ask you for a gift. It's a big number and it's not lightly I ask. This is big and I humbly take upon the task of pan-handling the funding of my dreams. 

I am not allowed to offer you anything in exchange, but I have prepared "thank you" replies which I know you will love and appreciate. I also offer you the opportunity to save this building, fund my project, provide artists a community and secure my legacy. This building will be the culmination of my life's work. I will never forget your gift.

Thank you. Watch this space for regular updates - next big move: getting under contract!