Hamilton County eyes $63M fairgrounds improvement. What to expect
Hamilton County officials are finalizing plans for an overhaul of the county fairgrounds in Noblesville that would cost $63 million over several years but modernize the site to permit improved and increased programming.
The fairgrounds released a conceptual master plan that includes building an indoor show arena, expanding exhibition hall, a covered walkway connecting the two, a revamped llama barn and new pavilion and gardens.
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the fairgrounds, on Pleasant Street, just west of Ind. 37, is used year-round but has not had any upgrades in 25 years.
“A lot of people think it’s open just two weeks during the county fair but that’s a small part of it,” Heirbrandt said.
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The buildings are rented for exhibitions and classes in gardening, horticulture, chicken embryology, homemaking and robotics. The fairgrounds are also used as a food distribution site for the needy, an early voting site and was a COVID-19 vaccination center.
In addition, several county offices, including sheriff, emergency management and the health department, hold training sessions at the 44-acre county-owned property, Heirbrandt said.
Revamp of fairgrounds in Noblesville would be completed in 3 phases
The revamp would take several years and would be completed in three phases. The county council, which approves financing for projects, has agreed to dedicate $15 million in a bond issue for the first phase, which would be an estimated $26 million in all. The county commission will try to close that gap by seeking private investment or fundraising.
“It’s quite a happening place but some of those buildings are really old,” said Councilor Steve Schwartz. “It is past due that something be done.”
Two buildings near Pleasant Street will be demolished — the O.V. Winks and an add-on — in the first phase to make room for the Noblesville’s $113 million rebuilding of the road, said Susan Peterson, Purdue Extension Hamilton County director.
The phase will also include repairing underground water pipes and drainage systems to prevent ponding on parts of the property, she said.
Officials plan to upgrade technology across the fairgrounds to offer more remote learning and training.
The design phase should begin later this year if the council approves the funds, with construction starting next year.
Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter @john_tuohy.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hamilton County plans $63 million fairgrounds update
