Plymouth Historic Fire Station named to Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered List

Indiana Landmarks announced Monday its annual 10 Most Endangered list, and a historic Plymouth landmark is among the highly threatened Hoosier properties singled out for 2026.

The Plymouth Fire Station at 220 North Center Street joins nine other endangered sites across the state on the list, which serves as a catalyst for preservation action.

Built in 1875, the Plymouth Fire Station originally served as home to both the city's fire department and city hall. Its arched bays and bell tower reflected its civic importance, supporting firefighting operations for over a century until a new station was built in 1980.

Since then, the building has continued to serve in various roles, including housing the city's ambulance service, visitors' bureau, preschool programs, and art exhibits. The original city hall chamber and fire pole remain, pointing to the firehouse's heritage.

When exterior brick showed signs of accelerating deterioration, a study estimated that much-needed repairs would total over $1 million. A recent grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs is a step toward preservation, but the City of Plymouth will need additional funding to ensure the firehouse's longevity.

Around the state, historic fire stations have been repurposed as restaurants, coffee houses, an antiques store, a community center, and even a private residence. As one of Indiana's oldest surviving fire stations, the Plymouth Fire Station deserves a similar positive outcome.

Local architect Brent Martin told GIANT FM WTCA that the firehouse was nominated for the list before it was clear whether the OCRA grant would come through. "We nominated the Firehouse back when we were not sure if we'd get the OCRA Grant or not, thinking being on the 10 most endangered might be helpful toward preserving it," Martin said.

"Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered list is a catalyst for action," says Brad Ward, president of the nonprofit preservation organization. "The designation raises public awareness about threatened historic places, strengthens preservation advocacy, and helps generate resources to save them. Each endangered place tells a unique story, and each faces its own set of challenges. In all cases, when an endangered place lands on our list, we commit to seeking solutions that lead to rescue and revitalization."

The track record supports that optimism. Since the list was introduced in 1991, demolition has claimed only 21 of the 172 Most Endangered sites, while 105 places have been completely restored or are no longer endangered.

The Full 2026 List

The 10 Most Endangered in 2026 include:

• Adams Mill, Cutler
• Ayres House, Fortville
• Castle Hall, Colored Knights of Pythias, Indianapolis
• City-County Building, New Albany
• First Church of Christ, Scientist, Evansville
• Plymouth Fire Station, Plymouth
• Kiwanis Field, La Porte
• Lincoln Pioneer Village, Rockport
• Shirk-Edwards House, Peru
• Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation, Charlestown

Places on the list often face a combination of problems — abandonment, neglect, dilapidation, obsolete use, development pressure, or owners who lack money for repairs.

To learn more about each of the 10 Most Endangered, visit www.indianalandmarks.org or contact Indiana Landmarks at 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.