Restoring Plymouth Indiana's Historic Fire House and City Hall

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The City of Plymouth, in partnership with the Marshall County Historical Society, has assembled an advisory committee on the restoration of and possible uses for Plymouth’s Historic Fire House and City Hall at the corner of Center and Washington Streets.

Using the concept of “Rekindle,” the committee hopes to spark a revitalization campaign for the building, one of the oldest in the state, once again.

Construction began in September 1875, was completed in February 1876, and opened after a dedicatory Firemen’s Ball. The building is believed to be the oldest combination firehouse/city hall still standing in Indiana. By the second half of the 19th century, towns and cities of Plymouth’s size were organizing fire companies, typically with the name “Hook & Ladder,” and building their first buildings for public meetings and city administration.

After many years of use as the fire department building and after municipal offices were moved to their current location, the building was used for emergency services, the visitors bureau, and the Marshall County office. It currently houses a preschool. The building was first restored in the 1990s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1998, to celebrate Plymouth’s 125th anniversary, Mayor Jack Greenlee held an official city council meeting in its original space on the second floor.

The Historic Fire House and City Hall Advisory Committee is seeking public comments for proposed uses for the building, which will turn 150 years old next year. It is believed that the building can accommodate a use that will honor its past and look forward to enriching the lives of city residents while spurring vibrant downtown life.

A formal request for proposals is anticipated in the future; however, ideas are welcome now. Please send these to sandygarrison@mchistoricalsociety.org