The redevelopment of a historic Indiana property is moving into construction, combining preservation work with new space for cultural, educational and community uses. Berglund Construction is serving as construction manager for the Duneland History Center project, which includes restoration of the 1885 Brown Mansion and construction of a new barn addition.
The project will rehabilitate the existing Brown Mansion while adding a barn structure designed to replicate the original barn that previously occupied the site.
The completed campus is planned to accommodate exhibits, archival materials, educational activities and community events. The improvements are intended to provide updated public access while retaining significant elements of the historic property.
The project is being developed in partnership with Westchester Public Library and Moake Park Group Inc., with Berglund Construction overseeing construction management.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in early August 2026, bringing together representatives of the library, project partners and the local community. The event included a site tour focused on the planned location of the new barn and the broader campus improvements.
Project participants included Westchester Public Library Executive Director Heather Chaddock, library board President Justin Martinson, Moake Park Group CEO Jeff Schroeder, Duneland History Center Curator Serena Ard and Berglund Construction Senior Estimator Chris Savoia.
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.
The Duneland History Center project illustrates the construction requirements associated with adapting historic properties for contemporary public use. The combination of building restoration and new construction will allow the site to retain its historic character while providing space for ongoing cultural and educational programming.
For construction managers and owners, the project also demonstrates how preservation work can be incorporated into broader campus redevelopment programs involving public-facing facilities.
Source: Berglund Construction.
