ROCKVILLE —
It was a cold and lonely Saturday morning for Billie Creek Village, the fate of which remained undecided that evening.
About 90 people filled the old Baptist Church as the historic village was put up for auction. Investors’ representatives sat on wooden pews, next to Amish men and tourists just in town visiting Parke County’s Covered Bridge Festival.
The auction, which got started about 10:30 a.m., generated combined offerings of $550,000 for the three parcels and all antiques, buildings and contents. Owner Charlie Cooper declined to comment afterwards, pointing out he has three days to decide whether or not to accept the bids. Messages left for auction representatives were not returned by Saturday evening.
Employees of Key Auctioneers milled about the crowd, attempting to drum up bids, reiterating to participants that the contents of Billie Creek Village represent a “once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity,” including ownership of two historic covered bridges.
Auctioneer Chuck Hunt paused amid his humming buzz of bid-speak during the process.
“Jeff just asked me when the next village was coming up for sale, and I said never,” he remarked before launching back into the rhythmic sputter of numbers.
The property’s first parcel offered contains 19.17 acres, the main village, all buildings and contents therein, as well as one covered bridge. Hunt started the bidding at $700,000, but with no takers, his numbers fell fast to $100,000 in a matter of seconds before rebounding up to $250,000, where they ultimately settled.
The second parcel, which also contains a covered bridge, included 41.78 acres, a barn, farmhouse, and all the contents of both. Hunt started it off at $500,000, but silence dropped that number fast and it wound up at $280,000.
“You can’t duplicate it,” Hunt said, venturing into the third parcel, which includes 3.66 acres and the parking lot near Billie Creek Inn. Revenue from that lot during the annual Covered Bridge Festival could pay for itself in a season, he said. Bids for it began at $75,000 but dropped to $10,000 before coming back to $20,000.
As a multi-parcel auction, bidders had the opportunity to mix the prices for any combination, or beat the $550,000 sum to buy the whole property. Despite some brief discussion among the bidders, none offered to combine the parcels, and no one offered $550,000 to keep them intact.
A man identifying himself as a representative of the bidders declined statements and the auction process was finished in about 25 minutes.
Steven Majewski of Riley said he’d just come to watch.
“I just hope someone buys the place and makes it as successful as it used to be,” he said, joking he might do it if he wins the lottery.
Recalling the numerous antique car shows and Civil War days he’s seen there, he said there were times he had to park along Indiana 36 because the parking lot was packed. The potential, he said, is still there.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis On the block: The auction of Billie Creek Village was held in the Baptist Church Saturday morning.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis WhatamIbid?: Auctioneer Chuck Hunt looks for bids as he looks over the crowd at the Billie Creek Village auction Saturday morning.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Deciding: Charlie Cooper, owner of Billie Creek Village, talks with the auctioneers after bidding had completed Saturday.
Discussion
Few bidders, low amounts for Billie Creek Village
No word if any bids accepted
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