After years of discussion, it looks like Noblesville Schools is about to get their wish – the National Guard Armory at 2021 Field Dr. The district is in the process of acquiring the armory in exchange for a new property.
“This is spectacular. This is huge for Noblesville to finally complete our ownership of the high school to the middle school along Field Drive,” school board member Julia Kozicki said.
Kozicki said the district is working to close on land that will be traded to the Indiana National Guard to build a new armory. Kozicki would not say where that land is location but it will be purchased from Keith Ayer for $980,000 and is located in Hamilton County.
“They requested land to replace the armory (instead of cash),” Attorney David Day said.
The armory’s 10 acres is the lone piece of property on Field Drive from Cumberland Road to North 16th Street that is not owned by Noblesville Schools. Having the land completes the campus and provides the district with opportunities to relocate services, programs and athletic fields if it relocates the undersized bus barn.
“We’ve yet to find an ideal location for the bus barn,” Kozicki said.
The school system will utilize the armory building for various programming. There is a gym on the south end of the building, which will be used for athletic programs. Kozicki said during the next school year it will house Mosaics and a K-12 program through the Hamilton, Boone, Madison Co-op. Mosaics is using the former central office space for its headquarters and classroom space at the NHS Freshman Campus for instruction.
“They’ll have a secure space of their own,” she said.
Kozicki said the district has worked with the Indiana National Guard for years about the land and faced several levels of approval, including Gov. Mike Pence. A closing date has not yet been set but Kozicki anticipates it will come within the next 60 days.
In other real estate news, the district is about a month away from selling Conner Learning Center to the City of Noblesville. Attorney David Day said the two sides are moving forward to a final agreement.
“I’m very hopeful to have a final resolution in May,” he told the board.
Kozicki said the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club, which owns property adjacent to Conner is interested in utilizing that area and will likely be the final owner.
