The Owen County Home buildings and site have served indigent residents of this Indiana County since 1878 when William F. Megenhardt, builder, constructed the first section of the home. Located just outside of the town of Spencer, several buildings comprise the complex including the main house, a holding cell structure, pump house, summer kitchen, garages and a three-hole privy.

 

Jacobs Pannicke Architects, Inc. now known as ARCHitecture trio, inc. was selected by the Owen County Preservations, Inc. (OCP) to prepare a Feasibility Study for the former County Home which was vacated in 2002. OCP discussed plans with the county to take over the home and transform the historic structures to perform a variety of community uses.

 

The study investigated the potential issues for conversion of this late 19^th century structure and related outbuildings to function as other prospective community uses including a historical museum for Owen County, support offices for local not-for-profit agencies and a satellite location for the sheriff’s office.

 

A condition analysis was conducted along with the aid of our consultants: Lawson Elser, Inc. and Hoffman Engineers, Inc. The study also included a photographic survey of existing conditions, potential use diagrams, recommendations for rehabilitation, a potential cost magnitude for the rehabilitation work and projections for maintenance and upkeep.

 

This information was utilized in the decision not to procure the property. OCP redirected their focus to the renovation of the former Carnegie Library in Spencer, Indiana.

 

Project was carried out under ARCHitecture trio’s former company name Jacobs Pannicke Architects, Inc.

 

Study Completion:  Summer 2005

Construction Cost:  To Be Determined