The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced a $150,000 grant on August 4, 2026 to support the St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in East Chicago, Indiana. The funding is earmarked for the development of a repair and restoration plan for the church’s modernist building.
St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, a landmark in the city’s East Side, was designed by Wendell Campbell, a pioneering Black architect who grew up in East Chicago. Campbell’s design merges Neo‑Expressionist elements with a futuristic aesthetic typical of the 1970s, creating a distinctive architectural statement that has drawn attention from preservationists.
The grant from the National Trust will cover the costs associated with planning the necessary repairs and restoration work. By focusing on a comprehensive plan, the Trust aims to ensure that the building’s unique architectural features are conserved for future generations. The initiative reflects a broader effort to protect structures that embody both cultural and design significance.
East Chicago officials and community members have expressed appreciation for the grant, noting that the church serves as a cultural hub for the local African American community. The preservation effort underscores the importance of maintaining historic sites that reflect the contributions of Black architects like Campbell, whose work remains a vital part of the city’s built environment.
The National Trust’s investment aligns with its mission to safeguard historic places across the United States. With the grant now secured, St. Mark’s congregation will move forward in collaboration with preservation experts to outline the scope of repairs, prioritize structural needs, and protect the building’s defining modernist character.
The restoration plan is expected to set a precedent for similar projects involving mid‑century modernist churches and other structures that combine artistic expression with community significance.