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Indianapolis, IN – An early morning fire has destroyed The Sanctuary on Penn, a historic landmark and wedding venue, at 701 N Pennsylvania St. Built in 1875 as the First Lutheran Church, the structure was a cherished piece of Indianapolis’ history.
Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) officials reported finding heavy fire throughout the building’s basement when they arrived. Flames and smoke quickly spread, forcing firefighters into a defensive strategy. A second alarm was sounded, and 28 IFD units battled the fire for over an hour before containing it.
The building’s structural integrity was deemed unsalvageable, and demolition is expected. According to Business and Neighborhood Services, the damage was too extensive to preserve any part of the structure.
Nearby residents experienced a brief power outage as AES shut down high-tension lines for safety. Water pressure was also increased by Citizens Energy to support firefighting efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Sanctuary on Penn, once a vibrant event venue, leaves behind a legacy as part of Indianapolis’ rich architectural history.
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