Those passing by the former Indiana Football Hall of Fame in downtown Richmond might notice recent exterior renovations such as bright white paint on window frames.
Officials from First Bank Richmond, which purchased the neighboring building at 815 N. A St. in Richmond in December 2021, tell WWN there are no immediate plans for its occupancy at this time.
Their current focus is maintaining and improving the 1920 building for the community’s benefit, said Susan Richwine, the bank’s marketing director.
“As part of our commitment following the purchase of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame property, our goal has always been to preserve the site and maintain its historical significance within the community,” Richwine said.
Indiana Football Hall of Fame founders, who included longtime Richmond High School coach Hub Etchison, bought the former U.S. post office in July 1974 to display photos, uniforms, mementos and other equipment. According to the organization’s website, the hall had to close after two years of unfortunate financial effects of the pandemic felt by museums and arts organizations everywhere.
Richwine said the improvements being made are intended more as a beautification and preservation effort rather than a change to the character of the property itself.
The former Hall of Fame’s assessed value rose from $500,200 in 2025 to $879,800 in 2026, according to Wayne County property tax records.
In addition to renovation expenses, First Bank Richmond is paying property taxes for the former Hall, which was previously tax exempt while the nonprofit organization owned it.
“We recognize the importance of the Hall of Fame to the area and wanted to ensure the property continues to be maintained in a way that reflects pride in the community and respect for its history,” Richwine said.
Although Indiana Football Hall of Fame no longer has a physical public space for football fans to see memorabilia, it continues to maintain a website with a virtual Hall of Fame, ifca-hof.org.
A version of this article will appear in the June 3 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.