Plymouth Historic Fire House/City Hall restoration gains momentum through grants, recognition, and community support

The City of Plymouth is celebrating significant progress in the effort to preserve and restore the Historic Fire House & City Hall, one of the community's most recognizable landmarks and one of Indiana's oldest surviving firehouse buildings. Constructed in 1875-76, the building originally served as both Plymouth's fire station and city hall and has stood at the heart of downtown for nearly 150 years. It is believed to be the oldest surviving combination firehouse and city hall in Indiana and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981.  

Approximately two years ago, Mayor Listenberger established the Historic Fire House and City Hall Advisory Committee with two goals: identify a sustainable use for the building and secure funding to address its deteriorating exterior. 

Both objectives have been successfully achieved. 

Heartland Artists have temporarily brought new life to the building while renovations are completed at its future home in Plymouth's historic Montgomery Ward Building. Through exhibits, classes, workshops, and community events, the organization has demonstrated the building's continued value as a vibrant community gathering place.  

The committee has also helped secure substantial funding for preservation efforts, including a major grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to support critical exterior restoration work. In addition, the project received a generous contribution from 1st Source Bank Foundation, demonstrating strong private-sector support for preserving one of Plymouth's most important historic landmarks. Additional grants and funding opportunities continue to be pursued as the project moves forward. Exterior restoration work will begin in the summer of 2027.  

The restoration effort has received statewide recognition as well. In 2026, Indiana Landmarks named the Plymouth Fire Station to its annual list of Indiana's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, bringing attention to both the building's significance and the need for continued preservation efforts. Indiana Landmarks highlighted the firehouse's historical importance and the need for additional funding to ensure its long-term preservation.  

The building also earned first place in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology's annual March Brackets Challenge. According to the DNR, the historic Plymouth Fire Station garnered more than 1,500 votes in every round of competition before emerging as the statewide champion. In announcing the victory, the DNR highlighted the building's 1875 construction date, iconic 59-foot bell tower, and National Register of Historic Places designation. 

Community support for preserving the landmark remains overwhelming. A recent City survey found that 97 percent of respondents favored saving the Historic Fire House & City Hall, demonstrating extraordinary public support for preserving an irreplaceable piece of Plymouth's history.  

"When we formed this committee, we challenged ourselves to accomplish two things: find a use for the building and find a way to fund its restoration," said Mayor Robert Listenberger. "As part of that effort, I've been fortunate to work with an outstanding group of individuals who never lost sight of the building's importance to our community. Together, we've brought new life back to the Fire House, secured significant funding, and taken meaningful steps toward preserving this landmark for future generations." 

As Plymouth celebrates the building's 150th anniversary, city leaders remain committed to ensuring the Historic Fire House & City Hall remains a centerpiece of the community for generations to come.