Commentary by April Morrow
Watching renovation shows makes me appreciate the hard work and thoughtfulness it takes to envision and breathe new life into older buildings. This is the focus as we continue our journey in Home Place. The most recent building reinvention is taking place in a not quite so old building built in 1972 but is an opportunity for new life for both the building and community. This is the renovation of the building at the northeast corner of College Avenue and 105th Street, the new home of Mercy Road Church.
Mercy Road Church is a non-denominational church whose founder, Josh Husman, started the church about one and a half years ago in his home. As the church grew, they held services at Clay Middle School, and have been there a year. Husman and the members of Mercy Road Church liked the location of Home Place for several reasons, including its central location for members in Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers and the north side of Indianapolis. Additionally, Husman grew up in Union City, and he likes the small-town feel of the Home Place area.
The building has a stone facade and is noticeably designed as an office building. Although it was built in 1972, in 2005 it was expanded, and the building owner, Pat Sheehan of Weihe Engineers, Inc. continues his business in the added space. For the members of Mercy Road Church, this design contributes to the contemporary feel of the church, which has made an intentional effort to support economic, cultural and multi-generational diversity. In the decision to move, it was important to the pastor that the church be part of a residential neighborhood to truly be part of the community.
When I spoke with the pastor and a few of the congregation members, they were putting finishing touches on their building renovation. Each one spoke with sincerity and appeared to want to welcome the community to worship with them and expressed a desire to engage in projects in the Home Place area to complement projects and missions they support throughout the Indianapolis area. It is exciting to see newcomers open to what Home Place has to offer. Reinventing the office space to create an inviting place to worship near the heart of Home Place brings this neighborhood full-circle. The foundation of Mercy Road Church is built on the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. Their choice of location speaks that philosophy well. Welcome to Home Place, Mercy Road Church. Thanks to all who took the time to speak with me. Let’s continue this journey together.