x
Breaking News
More () »

Historic Westfield 'Green Building' moves to new location

In its prime, The Green Building was first The Old Corner Drug Store in the 1860s before becoming Funderburgh's Grocery.

WESTFIELD, Ind. — It's the oldest commercial building in Westfield, sitting at the corner of Union Street and State Road 32.

The Green Building, as its known, was built in 1837. For nearly 200 years, it's called that block of Westfield home.

Now, however, it's on the move.

"It's amazing to watch a building like that being moved anywhere," said Sandy Kirsch, of Westfield.

The upcoming expansion of State Road 32 would blow right through The Green Building. 

So in 2019, the state, city and preservation groups decided rather than lose it, they'd move it.

With the historic building propped up on wheels, crowds gathered to watch it all happen.

Credit: WTHR
The historic "Green Building" in Westfield is propped up on wheels ahead of its anticipated move, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in Westfield, Ind.

"That is built all out of wood from trees from this area that, now, would probably be 400 years old," said Linda Naas, of Westfield.

In its prime, The Green Building was first The Old Corner Drug Store in the 1860s before becoming Funderburgh's Grocery. Over time, the building also served as a post office, barbershop and more.

Many Westfield residents, however, remember The Green Building for its pies.

"It was Pickett's," Kirsch said. "People came from all around to eat there, and it was a great place to eat."

"Anyone who had a birthday, they did it at Pickett's," Naas said. "If it was an anniversary, they did it at Pickett's."

Credit: WTHR
The historic "Green Building" in Westfield is propped up on wheels ahead of its anticipated move, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in Westfield, Ind.

Naas said in 2002, a local newspaper referred to the building as "The Landmark."

Decades later, it will now be restored to its original design after its final move, according to Naas.

"It is going to look how it did back in the 1800s," Naas said.

On Wednesday, The Green Building was moved to the lot directly east of its current location.

Once State Road 32 construction is underway and utilities are buried, the building will then move to its permanent home on North Union Street, directly west of Westfield City Hall.

The contract with Wolfe House Movers was approved by the Westfield Board of Public Works in December 2023 for $95,250. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out