A new museum, archives and an office building for the Carmel Clay Historical Society will be underway in January along the Monon Trail. The Clay Township Board voted Tuesday to fund construction of the building immediately south of the historical society’s 137-year-old Monon Depot, home to the organization since 1976.
Matthew Snyder, member of the Township Board, said the new structure will be located on the site of an outdated frame cottage owned by the historical society and used for archive storage in recent years. The new building, costing about $4 million, will provide space for exhibits, offices, community events, archive storage and a cafe.
The project is the latest addition to the township’s Community Impact program which includes upgrades and additions for the fire department, parks department and Carmel Dads Club.
The overall impact project will likely not result in any increase in property taxes. Bonds which financed Central Park and Monon Center will mature soon, and the debt retirement levy can then be used to pay for the impact projects.
“Along with the $320 million growth in the tax base, there should be adequate revenue for these community improvements,” Snyder said.
Historical society leaders expressed gratitude for the project.
“This is the culmination of efforts by many dedicated CCHS members who worked for decades to establish a museum on this site,” said society director Deborah Gangstad. “This wonderful new building will allow for exhibiting many more items of historical significance in a more visible and welcoming way for visitors of all ages.”
With completion of the museum, the depot interior will be returned to the appearance of an early railroad station. It served as Carmel’s arrival and departure site for rail passengers and freight as well as the telegraph office for nearly 80 years.