The Knox County Commissioners have approved the demolition of the old poor farm on Hart Street.

The commissioners voted 2-1 to proceed with demolition this past Tuesday, awarding a $65,000 contract to Mullins Supply of Bicknell. The bid had previously received approval from the Unsafe Building Board.

Commissioner TJ Brink opposed the decision, citing a prior agreement to delay action until February 2025.

Plans for the property include constructing an emergency operations center to house the county’s 911 dispatch, coroner’s office, and emergency management agency.

In a previous interview with First City News, Commissioner Kellie Streeter said the structure has deteriorated to a point where restoration is impossible. She emphasized efforts to respect the site’s history, noting recent surveys to identify graves and plans for a memorial.

Work on the demolition of the poor farm is set to start as soon as possible.

VINCENNES PBS HISTORY VAULT FEATURE ON THE KNOX COUNTY POOR FARM