In the weeks following our acquisition of the former Clarion Hotel, Columbus Regional Health has been working with the Bartholomew County Historical Society to secure new use for some of hotel contents with historical and architectural significance, as well as working with area non-profits to donate hundreds of items. We are pleased to announce that more than $153,600 worth of items, ranging from furniture and appliances to office supplies, were donated during this massive undertaking.

Columbus Regional Health has now scheduled the next course of action for this notable Bartholomew County property, which as served the community for more than 50 years. A two-day public auction to coordinate the sale of the remaining contents of the former Clarion Hotel and Conference Center will take place in mid-September.

The public auction will is scheduled for September 16-17 at the former Clarion property, and will be conducted by Earl’s Auction Company. The schedule for the auction is as follows:

• Saturday, Sept. 16 -- Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Auction proceedings run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All purchased items must be retrieved before close. Doors close at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 17 -- Doors open at 9 a.m. Auction proceedings run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All purchased items must be retrieved before close. Doors close at 8 p.m.

Last month, Columbus Regional Health acquired the foreclosed facility and surrounding property from German American Capital Corporation following a Sherriff’s Sale.

Plans continue to evolve for the 22-acre property on Indiana 46W near the Interstate 65 exchange, which is scheduled to be razed before the end of the year. Profits from the public auction will be put toward land processing and construction costs. Prior to demolition, Columbus Regional Health will coordinate with local law enforcement and fire and rescue departments to loan the facility for training exercises.

For more information on the public auction and contents available, click here. Columbus Regional Health officials look forward to providing additional public updates as the project progresses.