Barns & Carriage Houses

Recent Actions

There are fine barns and carriage houses still to be found in Noblesville, but their number shrinks every year. Some aren’t maintained properly and others are removed by the property owner in favor of more modern architectural design and amenities. Our preference in circumstances like this is to help the property owners find creative solutions to meet their needs—up to and including relocating structures. Two disappointing losses this year were the replacement of the carriage house at the Harrell House on N. 10th St. and the demolition of the 1889 Coverdale Farm barn at Cumberland Road & Riverwood Avenue.

What You Can Do

Noblesville Preservation Alliance encourages homeowners to thoroughly explore options before removing functional barns and carriage houses from their property. Homeowners seeking to restore their historic carriage houses and/or barns could apply for a Homeowner Facade Grant.

Barns and carriage houses are significant parts of the historical landscape of a property. Their architecture often mirrors that of the main house, oftentimes including beautiful decorative trim and finishes. Like any historic structure, barns & carriage houses require maintenance to retain structural integrity.

Brick Sidewalks

Threats

Each year, the City of Noblesville removes more and more brick sidewalks as part of their overall sidewalk maintenance plan. Sometimes, homeowners request replacement of the brick sidewalks in front of their home with concrete. Losses this year included sections of Wayne and Clinton Streets, along with the area around 11th & Hannibal.

Recent Actions

NPA has been meeting with the City of Noblesville Engineering Department to offer our assistance in coordinating with homeowners for the repair of brick sidewalks when sidewalks are slated for replacement.

What You Can Do

If you live in a historic home and have a brick sidewalk in front of your home, be on the lookout for signs that it might be slated for removal. The city will likely send a letter in advance of beginning any work. If you would like to save the brick in front of your home, the city will work with you to help save it, rather than replacing with concrete. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of saving the brick. Contact NPA if you need assistance advocating for the preservation of your brick sidewalks.

Brick sidewalks are a part of Noblesville's history. They are charming reminders of the city's past, and contribute to the historical landscape of Old Town neighborhoods.

Original Wood Doors & Windows

Threats

Many homeowners in Old Town Noblesville are choosing to replace original wood doors and windows with modern pre-fabricated alternatives, such as vinyl windows and pressed wood doors that lack the beauty and architectural integrity of the originals. Sometimes, this is done because homeowners are unaware that these doors and windows can be repaired, and with a few easy steps energy efficiency can be greatly improved.

What You Can Do

We are committed to helping homeowners save their original doors and windows. Checkout our restoration resources or contact us if you have questions or need help exploring restoration options.

Original wood doors and windows are part of a home's historic character. They are often times defining elements of a home's architectural design, and their distinctive appearances are main focal points of a home's exterior facade.