As I walked toward the new Fishers City Hall, Art Center for Monday’s ribbon-cutting, I had a few thoughts on my mind.
When first moving to Fishers in May of 1991, the Town Hall was nearing completion. People were excited to have the new building as the center of government for a growing town.
In May of 2021, The City Council held a work session at Conner Prairie, where Mayor Scott Fadness and Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren told councilors the 2-story wood frame City Hall building, constructed in 1991, was sinking into the water table below ground. It was costing a fortune to keep the then-City Hall upright and above ground. That was the first public comment from city officials that a new City Hall was likely the most fiscally responsible solution to the problem.
At around that same time, the city was asking for comments on what residents wanted in a new community center. Arts classes and programs were at the top of the list in what people living in Fishers wanted.
it was decided an arts center would be part of the new City Hall. That is the building that had its ribbon cut Monday morning.
The new Hall has received high marks from city staff, with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing plenty of natural lighting into the work place.
The complex also includes a theater, which can seat as many as 300 people, or fewer for some events, depending on the configuration needed. City Council and other city government meetings will be held at that theater.
The Art Center at Fishers City Hall, under the programs offered by the Indy Art Center, is already up and running. Both Mayor Scott Fadness and Indy Arts Center Director Mark Williams offered remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
There was a good crowd on hand, including people from the architectural firm, contractor Meyer-Najem, city staff and many from the local Fishers Community.
Fishers has come a long way since the Town Hall opened in 1991. The process that began in May of 2021 has produced the new City Hall & Art Center.
Below are a few photos from the ribbon-cutting:
