Historic McCurdy building in downtown Evansville has new owner

EVANSVILLE, Ind. —  The McCurdy, a historic building converted to apartments along Evansville's riverfront, will have new owners, according to an email sent from building staff to residents Monday. 

The email stated McCurdy was under new ownership and management. 

"We are getting a welcome packet together with information," the email read. "In the meantime, if there are any work orders that are needing to be done please let us know."   

Adam Kunkel referred the Courier & Press to manager Ben Kunkel. He did not answer several phone calls.  

A deed in lieu of foreclosure was filed with Vanderburgh County Recorder Debbie Stucki on Aug. 12. 

In 2012, the building sold for a little over $1.1 million, and in 2008, it was sold for $818,500, according to the Vanderburgh County Assessor. Information on the current sale has not yet been filed with the Assessor's office. 

The building and its owners have been under fire for unpaid debts and lawsuits in the past couple of years. 

Last year, the City of Evansville slapped a nearly $1.5 million lien on the McCurdy building saying the historic property continues to discharge water from its geothermal heating-cooling system into city sewers without paying.

The unpaid bill was $750,000 at the time, city officials said. 

The Kunkel Group, which renovated the riverfront property for use as upscale rental housing, disputed the amount the city said it owed. Krista Lockyear, attorney for The Kunkel Group, in previous interviews, said the city’s figures were “grossly exaggerated.”

Eventually, the City's liens were adjusted after the McCurdy owner allowed utility officials to access the geothermal system, according to a complaint filed in July 2017. 

The Indiana Department of Health hit McCurdy with numerous violations during the 2000s. The building closed in 2006. Over time, the property slowly deteriorated. 

The former ownes, Kunkel Group, restored the building for $10 million, prior to accepting new tenants in 2016. C&P reported in 2017 the McCurdy has about 100 residential units. Some are one-bedroom and others are two-bedroom. 

Check back for more updates as they become available. 

Previous coverage

More:Lawsuit: Utility wants McCurdy owner to pay disputed sewer bills

More:McCurdy owner: Evansville sewer bill dispute is hurting business

More:City slaps $1.5 million lien on McCurdy; Kunkel disputes amount

More:City officials say they weren't told about McCurdy sewer use