By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
A proposed multi-million-dollar upgrade for the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds was presented to county commissioners this week. Plans to improve the 40-acre fairgrounds have been underway for at least three years. The facility is located in the 1900 block of East Pleasant Street in Noblesville.
Mussett Nicholas Associates, architects and engineers, submitted the master plan for new and expanded buildings at the 75-year-old county-owned site, along with land use designs by Context Designs. Both firms are based in Indianapolis.
The plans have a proposed cost of $88.7 million as currently presented. Some cost reductions are expected as commissioners and county council review the plans. Some modifications were made in this week’s commissioner meeting.
The largest single cost in the overall project is $28.2 million for a new Life Sciences Building and show arena. The 91,000 square-foot structure is to be built south of the current Exhibition Hall near the horse track.
Site development is estimated to cost $16.7 million. New and upgraded animal barns for cattle, swine, llamas, sheep and small animals along with a show pavilion for some of these animals has an estimated cost of $11.3 million.
Other various improvements are planned on the grounds, including horse arena upgrades with a new tower, certain improvements at Exhibition Hall and more parking areas.
No decisions were made this week in what was considered a work session. Architects and engineers will return next month to continue discussions. Financing and a possible start date have not been determined.
The project is expected to be undertaken in phases that could extend over a few years. The master plan is available for inspection at the county commissioners’ office.
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