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Bargersville's Umbarger Plaza Almost Done Despite Delays

2024-12-16

The amphitheater at Umbarger Plaza, as pictured on Thursday, is on the verge of being fully completed. This downtown gathering space holds great significance for the community of Bargersville.

Discover the Progress and Potential of Umbarger Plaza

Construction Timeline and Delays

Bargersville officials had set their sights on having the new downtown gathering space completed by the end of the year. Umbarger Plaza, located at a strategic intersection off Old Plank Road, Main Street, and Baldwin Street, broke ground in November 2022 and was initially expected to be finished this fall. However, construction delays have pushed back the project's completion and opening. The property, valued at $173,000, was transferred to the town in 2022 by Show feed producer Roy Umbarger & Sons Inc. as they opened a larger feed mill in rural Franklin.The $2 million plaza, situated east of the railroad tracks and southwest of Old Plank Road and Baldwin Street, will feature an amphitheater, public restrooms, and a green space. It is envisioned as a place where the community can come together and celebrate the history of Bargersville. The roof of the covered stage at the plaza is designed to resemble the roof of a grain bin, paying homage to Bargersville's rural heritage and the Umbarger family.Despite these challenges, Dax Norton, the town manager, stated that for the most part, the plaza is complete. The extended completion date for the contracted work was set for December 10. Officials anticipate that "most of the things" will be completed by December 30, as reported during a town council meeting on that same day.Small line items, such as the steel for the inside of the bathrooms, have been partially responsible for the delays. The steel has been ordered but has not yet been delivered. Additionally, the restrooms have been winterized.

Signage and Dedications

Signage is another factor contributing to the delays. During their Thursday meeting, officials discussed signage and the plaza's dedication. The original plan was to have an Umbarger sign in the greenspace/garden area, highlighting the history of the Umbarger family and how the plaza came to be. However, after discussions, it was decided to place the sign on one of the plaza buildings. Fitting an already-constructed sign designed by the family onto one of the buildings has proven to be a challenge. The sign is large and weighs over 100 pounds, making it too heavy to install in the intended location.There is about $200,000 left from the bond for the project, which could be used to design and construct the signage in its original intended location. Norton hopes to obtain quotes for the signage before the town's redevelopment commission in the near future.

Future Plans and Collaborations

After the new year, officials will meet with the Indiana Railroad to finalize the designs for a pedestrian crosswalk. They are hopeful that the railroad will have a design completed by mid-January and begin construction on the pedestrian crosswalk in March, as stated by Norton. This will enhance the accessibility and connectivity of the plaza, making it even more inviting for the community to use.The completion of Umbarger Plaza's amphitheater and the surrounding amenities will not only provide a gathering place for the community but also serve as a testament to the town's efforts in revitalizing downtown Bargersville. It will become a landmark that showcases the history and heritage of the area while offering a modern space for various activities and events.The progress made on Umbarger Plaza is a significant milestone for Bargersville, and the community eagerly awaits its official opening and the many opportunities it will bring.

English

Discover the Progress and Potential of Umbarger Plaza

Construction Timeline and Delays

Signage and Dedications

Future Plans and Collaborations