The City of Fishers announced today the impending deconstruction of Kincaid House, a 19th-century farmhouse situated off USA Parkway next to I-69. In its place, materials from the historic site, specifically the salvaged clay bricks, are slated for use in a new initiative at the nearby Fishers AgriPark, as reported by the City of Fishers. The urban farm, which engages the community with its combination of educational programming, animal interactions, and pick-your-own produce opportunities, will integrate these materials into a project that honors Fishers' rich agricultural past.
According to Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, the decision to deconstruct the Flanagan-Kincaid House arose from its advanced state of decay, detailing that such deterioration includes sunken floors, collapsing joists which lead to walls turning unstable, not to mention the absence of structural headers in its windows and doorways, this set of conditions rendered the house untenable for further use and beyond the scope of practical renovation; the mayor further noted that the absence of interest from private parties to take ownership of the site necessitated a pivot towards preservation in a more fitting location. This approach allows the city to maintain a tangible connection to the house's history.
Fishers resident Randy Kincaid, representing the Kincaid family, shared a sentiment of melancholy at the loss of the Flanagan-Kincaid house with an accent on the positive, saying, "While the usefulness of the current Flanagan-Kincaid house has come to an end and we are sad to see it go, we are pleased it can continue in another form to honor the farming heritage of Fishers," as he told the City of Fishers.
Completion of the deconstruction is projected for the culmination of this July, as the materials will breathe new life into Fishers AgriPark, which is backed by IU Health, though specifics of the park’s project continue to be hammered out; there's a palpable anticipation for what will be an agricultural landmark that connects the community to its roots, it's an approach that aims to turn the page while preserving Fishers' historical narrative through tangible artifacts from its past. Details on this adaptation of Kincaid House materials into the AgriPark's new feature will be unveiled as the plan progresses.
