The City of Plymouth is taking two important steps to secure the future of one of its most beloved landmarks. It is pursuing a federal restoration grant for the 1875 Historic Firehouse while asking residents to weigh in on how the iconic downtown building should be used for years to come.
The city has submitted a grant request to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for federal funds to support a comprehensive historic preservation project to restore the firehouse's structural integrity — the oldest standing fire station in the state of Indiana. If awarded, the grant would fund a complete masonry overhaul of the exterior brick façade, a new roof, refurbishment of the bell tower and cupola, and replacement of all exterior entry doors.
City officials emphasize that the project is about far more than appearance. The renovation is designed to ensure the building remains structurally sound and continues to serve as a vibrant, accessible public space at the heart of downtown Plymouth for generations to come.
As part of the grant application process, the city must demonstrate community support and is asking residents to complete a brief four-question survey about the proposed restoration project.
At the same time, a separate community survey has been launched, inviting residents to share their broader vision for the historic building's long-term future. Over the past several months, the firehouse has quietly transformed into a dynamic community hub — hosting art exhibits, classes, workshops, meetings, and community events while the nearby Heartland building undergoes its own renovation. The community's response has highlighted just how much potential the space holds.
For those who haven't yet visited, now is an ideal time to step inside. The firehouse is currently home to the city's annual Small Wonders exhibit, showcasing nearly 200 works by artists from across northern Indiana and beyond. Looking ahead, the building will also host the America 250 exhibition, America the Beautiful — a particularly fitting setting as the city celebrates creativity, community, and history within its walls.
Residents are encouraged to visit the historic Fire Station, experience the space for themselves, and make their voices heard by completing both surveys.
Surveys are on the City of Plymouth’s website at www.plymouthin.com.
"Improving Outcomes, Together" theme for National EMS Week
Candidates can begin filing for school board elections on Tuesday
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Single-lane closures to impact State Road 63 near Cayuga
Parke County teenage arrested after biting toddler
Duke Energy breaks ground on Cayuga Energy Complex project
Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Indiana Conservation Officers seek help finding track chairs stolen from Fort Harrison State Park
Clay County man among six drug traffickers, including one illegal alien, sentenced to decades in federal prison
110th running of the Indianapolis 500 a sellout, local TV delay lifted
Projects wanted for READI 2.0 and Lilly Blight funding
Rockville man nabbed for harmful matter
USDA requires SNAP authorized retailers to carry more real food
Congressman Yakym's staff to hold mobile office hours in Plymouth this month
Indiana state senator working to legalize medical marijuana
“Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Hoosiers to buckle up
IDEM introduces new “Local Air Quality Advisory” for short‑term conditions
