Plainfield historic home set for relocation, preservation
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A 19th-century house in Plainfield will be relocated and preserved after significant community support and buy-in, the town announced Friday.
The Thomas and Lousia Little House will be moved to the northern edge of Hendricks Regional Health’s property later this summer to allow for the development and expansion of health services.
The move was supported by a 9,000-signature community petition and is now supported by the Town of Plainfield and Hendricks Regional Health.
“This is a profound example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to preserve its history,” Plainfield Town Council President Robin Brandgard said in a news release. “We are pleased to partner with Hendricks Regional Health to relocate the Litle House, ensuring it remains a part of our cultural and architectural heritage.”
The house was built between 1885 and 1891 for local farmer Thomas Little, the grandson of a pioneer. The Queen Anne-style home has a wrap-around porch, corner turret, fishscale shingles and ornate wooden windows.
The house was listed on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list in 2023.
James Wheeler is a construction management professional who will work on restoring it from its state of disrepair. Once he completes the renovations, he said he would hold a community open house as a fundraiser for the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, which helped him research the home, as well as Indiana Landmarks.
“It’s an honor to bring something back to life, a dream come true,” Wheeler said in the release. “The Litle House is a masterpiece, and its Queen Anne style is rarely found in a more rural area. It will be a jewel for the Town of Plainfield.”