Nickel Plate Arts and the Noblesville Preservation Alliance teamed up to “Help Move the Kincaid House,” a grassroots campaign, which raised funds to relocate the historic Kincaid House in Fishers, Ind., so it could begin it’s new life as a focal point along I-69.
Before the historic move Nickel Plate Arts’ director Ailithir McGill said, “The Noblesville Preservation Alliance is making history by saving history.” She added, “After partnering with them to save the Judge Stone House in Noblesville, we’re excited to work together again to give this Hamilton County historical landmark a new home.”
The total cost of moving the house was estimated at $115,000, which included site preparation and transportation for the 0.4 mile journey across 106th Street to two acres of land on the west side of Navient’s Fishers campus. Navient donated the parcel of land August 15 as a permanent location for the house if funds could be raised to relocate it.
To kick off “Help Move the Kincaid House,” Thompson Thrift, the owner/developer of the house’s current home, provided a lead gift of $20,000. As additional incentive, Hamilton County Tourism announced it would match new public donations up to $45,000.
As the fundraising campaign was successful, the concrete footings for the historic home were poured and the Kincaid house was moved in the Fall of 2014. In addition to its role in saving the Kincaid House, Indiana Landmarks provided a $2,500 grant to determine landscaping and construction options for the property after relocation. Peterson Architecture of Noblesville donated additional in-kind hours for the architectural rendering.
Hamilton County Tourism partnered with Nickel Plate Arts and the Noblesville Preservation Alliance to lead a feasibility study to determine the best use of the house and land once the historic house was moved. During the fundraising campaign, the public also had the chance to provide ideas for the future use of the house at the “Help Move the Kincaid House” website.
Prior to the move Mike Corbett, Noblesville Preservation Alliance treasurer said, “We’re grateful for the community support that is rallying behind the house.” He added, “Without involvement from Nickel Plate Arts, Hamilton County Tourism, Navient, Indiana Landmarks and Thompson Thrift, Hamilton County would have lost a major piece of history.”
The final ownership, management and development of both the property and the house itself will be determined once the feasibility study is completed.
The NPA is proud to have played a part in the effort to save one our county’s oldest homes.
