Hamilton County demolition plan for 694 Logan Street affirmed by Noblesville council

The Noblesville Common Council on a 9–0 vote affirmed a planning commission certificate of authorization allowing Hamilton County to demolish the building at 694 Logan Street and use the lot as a staging area for an upcoming courthouse expansion.

Connor Sullivan, Hamilton County attorney, told the council the county acquired the property in January 2024 “for just under $1,000,000.” He said two commercial construction managers estimated $2.1 million to $2.2 million to bring the building up to code (not including required ADA upgrades), and that work would push the county’s total investment “north of $3,000,000.” Sullivan said the county must add courtrooms to comply with Indiana law and is pursuing demolition as the most feasible path to start construction promptly.

The planning commission reviewed the demolition request and voted 9–0 to issue the certificate of authorization; the council’s affirmation came after a staff presentation and extended questions from members. Staff noted the property sits inside the city’s downtown demolition-protection boundary, where demolition requests require plan commission review and council affirmation.

Council members asked whether the brick building could be moved rather than demolished. Sullivan and Steve Wood, Hamilton County superintendent, said moving the structure was not financially feasible and that the building shows structural damage: Sullivan said the building’s front had separated and “those bolts are the only thing that’s really holding it together.” Wood added that utilities have been disconnected and the interior lacks the electrical capacity to operate as a job-site office.

Wood described staging logistics: the county plans to lease two staging lots used as equipment and material yards (including a lot behind a nearby business used during a prior parking-garage project) and to time heavy deliveries to avoid school pickup and drop-off. Sullivan said the staging footprint is expected to last about three years; when the county is ready to redevelop the parcel it would work with the city on replacement uses and “turn it into a pocket park” with benches and landscaping.

A council member disclosed that, in a prior role as a professional geologist, he conducted a Phase I environmental site assessment for the county but said he had no ongoing financial interest in the property. Following that disclosure the council moved, seconded and approved Resolution RC 32-24 by voice/hand vote, recorded as 9 ayes, 0 nays.

The county representatives said the county will continue to coordinate with city staff on traffic, parking mitigation and sidewalk improvements while the project is under way. The council’s action affirms the planning commission decision; the demolition and any subsequent redevelopment will require permits and any additional approvals the planning commission or council may enact.