A lot of you have probably seen a concert at the Honeywell Center in Wabash. A few of you maybe caught a flick at the recently reopened Eagles Theatre.

Well, these are all properties owned and operated by the Honeywell Foundation, which has recently acquired a few new properties. Last week, the Honeywell Foundation announced the acquisition of the Charley Creek Gardens and The Dr. James Ford Historic Home.

The famous topiary maze at the Charley Creek Gardens. (Photo Provided)

“We are honored and truly humbled that our friend, Richard Ford, entrusted The Honeywell Foundation with these treasures he built for Wabash,” said Honeywell Foundation Executive Director Tod Minnich in a press release. “As was the case with previous acquisitions such as the Honeywell House, the goal of the Honeywell Foundation is to continue the legacy these properties have afforded our greater community.”

The Honeywell Foundation’s initial vision for these properties is to preserve the historical aspects and create places for civic renewal and showcase northern Indiana’s art and culture. Continuing on with the rich traditions set by the Charley Creek Foundation Dr. James Ford Historic Home, the Honeywell Foundation plans to continue putting on the Charley Creek ArtsFest and WaBass Institute.

For the public, nothing really changes. Access to the properties will be the same as it was under previous management. Additionally, the staff members are being absorbed by the Honeywell Foundation.

“When we think about the Honeywell Foundation, these properties allow us to have a holistic viewpoint and provide lots of opportunities,” Cathy Gatchel, director of development at The Honeywell Foundation, told the Warsaw Rotary Club at a presentation on Wednesday. “The Charley Creek Gardens are a beautiful place. Now that we have these properties, it gives us a chance to diversify.”

Already diverse, the Honeywell Foundation operates the Honeywell Foundation, Honeywell House and the 13-24 Drive IN, one of just a handful of drive-in theaters left in the area. And last year the foundation took over the 110-year-old Eagles Theatre. “We made some minor renovations and made sure the towns only movie can continue,” said Gatchel. The theater now shows new and classic films (the Christmas Eve screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” was standing room only), and even opened up the stage to musicians and comedians as part of the Thursday Night Blues/Comedy Series.

“The addition of the Charley Creek Gardens and Dr. James Ford Home is yet another way the Honeywell Foundation can serve the community and north central Indiana through its mission,” Minnich said. “We look forward to enhancing our offerings through these properties and programs.”