The Umbarger family and town officials broke ground of a new gathering space in downtown Bargersville Tuesday. Jayden Kennett | Daily Journal
Local officials gathered in downtown Bargersville Tuesday morning for an emotional and exciting groundbreaking of Umbarger Plaza.
The $2 million plaza east of the railroad tracks and southwest of Old Plank Road and Baldwin Street will include an amphitheater, public restrooms and a green space. Officials hope the new space will provide a place for the community to gather and celebrate the history of Bargersville.
“Today is a momentous occasion,” said Susie Qualls, town council president. “A day that marks the beginning of a new chapter of a vibrant story of our community.”
Show feed producer Roy Umbarger & Sons Inc. transferred the property, valued at $173,000, to the town of Bargersville on Jan. 4, 2022, according to property records. The prime downtown Bargersville land became available because the company opened a new, larger feed mill in rural Franklin.
Through tears and cheers of support, Marty Umbarger shared memories of four generations of Umbarger’s family business, which formerly operated at the site. In 1939, Roy Umbarger moved to Bargersville and began his own feed business. At just 25 years old, after serving in World War II, Walter Umbarger took over the family business and began its growth, the company’s website says.
The decision to let go of generations of family land was tough but exciting, he said.
“It’s just emotional to sit here and think they came here with nothing,” Umbarger said. “We came to this town with nothing and we’ve had a good business. Now to have another use of this property that’s going to benefit the citizens of our town is very fulfilling.”
The Umbarger’s are “honored” and “proud” that town officials considered their family throughout the process, Umbarger said. As a reflection of Bargersville’s rural heritage and the Umbarger family, the roof of the covered stage at the plaza will resemble the roof of a grain bin.
“I think my mother and father and grandma and grandpa are looking down now, extremely proud and happy there’s a new use for this property,” Umbarger said.
Ruth Umbarger already envisions how the space will be utilized as a gathering place.
“We have long roots in this community and this will be a great benefit for the community.”
An Umbarger grain bin and two one-story buildings were demolished to clear space for the plaza, however, other parts of the business including the landmark grain elevator still stand and can be seen from the plaza.
With the ground broken, Umbarger Plaza is expected to be completed next fall.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that the success of the amphitheater lies not just in the construction in physical form, but in the warmth and energy that you the people of this town will bring to it,” Qualls said.
Instead of having all of the town’s concerts in the street, the new park will provide a dedicated space for them.
However, the space isn’t just for concerts and events, it will be a new place for town residents to gather any time of the year. The back of the stage will feature a native plant prairie and a limestone block sign at the north entrance welcoming people to Umbarger Plaza. The rest of the plaza develops to the south, including a moderately sloped lawn bordered by trees, walking paths and seating areas.
