By Beth Clark
The two-story brick farmhouse commonly referred to as the Kincaid House situated at the corner of 106th Street and Kincaid Drive near I-69, was quietly and unceremoniously slated for demolition to take place June 9. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of dedicated preservationists in the area who at the eleventh hour were alerted to its impending demolition, the Kincaid House is safe for now from the rubble heap.
The development group that owns the house, Thompson Thrift Development, Inc., recognizes the historical significance of the house and has agreed to halt demolition for the time being to discuss options for its preservation. Two representatives from Thompson Thrift met June 16 with members and representatives of the Noblesville Preservation Alliance, Hamilton County Tourism, the Hamilton County Historical Society, and Fishers Historic Ambassador House. Mark Dollase, Indiana Landmarks Vice President, was also present at the meeting at Fishers Town Hall, which was led by Fishers’ Director of Community Development Tom Dickey to determine the fate of the Kincaid House.
The Kincaid House, an Italianate-style, solid brick building, was built in 1861 on land originally granted in 1834 to two of Hamilton County’s earliest settlers, Douglas Cady and Thomas Morris. By the mid-19th century the land belonged to the Flanegan family, who constructed the Civil-War era house. The house was purchased in 1934 by the Kincaid family, owners of the property until it was acquired by Thompson Thrift in 2013. According to information from Dan Kincaid, the final Kincaid family owner, the house was built with bricks dug and formed from clay on the farm and fired on site. The exterior and interior walls of the house are 13 inches thick. The structure is sound, but because the home sat vacant and unguarded for a number of years, it has been heavily damaged by vandals, who have stripped the interior of almost everything including doors, doorknobs, and even flooring.
Ashlee Boyd, Senior Vice President of Thompson Thrift Development, Inc. stated that the company intends to build a multi-use development on the current site of the Kincaid House consisting primarily of office and retail space. This development will take advantage of the new I-69 interchange coming soon to 106th Street. Boyd, who lives in Fishers, and Thompson Thrift are supportive of efforts to save the Kincaid House, with the hope that the home can be relocated in Fishers, rehabilitated and opened for public or private use. Boyd did not rule out the possibility that the house might be incorporated into new design plans for the area. Boyd even affirmed Thompson Thrift’s commitment to donating a sum of money toward the home’s rehabilitation, as long as “the parameters are in place to develop a vision and final home for the property,” Boyd said.
Developing that vision was exactly what Monday’s meeting in Town Hall was all about. Dorothy Young, representing the Board of the Hamilton County Historical Society, was heartened by apparent good will from all sides.
“It was great that everyone had an ear to listen to others’ points of view. I think it is important to stress to all parties that the fate of the house doesn’t necessarily have to be an either / or situation – either it’s demolished or it’s moved. Historical structures can be incorporated in new development,” Young said.
If, however, the Kincaid House must be relocated to preserve it, the Town of Fishers is dedicated to working with interested parties and individuals to find a new home for the structure. Raising funds for the relocation and preservation of the building, in addition to determining its use and sustainability, are the challenges that lie ahead for those interested in avoiding its demolition. Indiana Landmarks Vice President Mark Dollase is leading the charge to save the house. He commented after Monday’s meeting that he was, “impressed by the spirit of cooperation in the room. From the Town to the developer to those interested in the restoration and rehabilitation of the house, it appears all are eager and willing to find a solution to the challenges of saving the home.”
A second meeting is scheduled to continue the discussion of saving the Kincaid House. All concerned for its fate will have to wait for further word, or they can lend their voice and support for this Fishers landmark by contacting Beth Clark at [email protected].
