Rapp-Owen Granary, 1818
413 Granary Street, New Harmony, IN 47631
Architect/Designer: George Rapp; The Harmonist Society
DESCRIPTION:
The Rapp-Owen Granary is a stately utilitarian structure. Rising five and half stories the structure is vertically symmetrical. The main entrance is a simple wooden door with two large windows on either side which span the height of the second floor. The next three stories are delineated by three identical small windows on each floor. The first three floors have an exterior material of ashlar stone while the upper levels are brick. The horizontal separation of building material gives this simple structure a feeling of dignity that is not often found in such a functional structure.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT – INCLUDING SPECIAL STATUS AND AWARDS WON:
The Granary is an outstanding example of Harmonist architecture, originally built by the Harmonie Society in 1818. The site was converted into two different geological laboratories, first by William Maclure in 1827 and then by David Dale Owen in 1843. The site was later converted back to a wheat granary in the early 1900’s. Currently owned by the Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation, the granary has undergone extensive restoration and reconstruction for use as an event space. One of the oldest structures in Posey County, the Granary has been preserved to capture the unique and shifting history of New Harmony.
DESIGNATION STATUS:
National Historic Landmark, 2006
National Register of Historic Places, New Harmony Historic District, 1966
Style: Barn/Granary
Owner (past/present):
Past: Granary, laboratory
Present: Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation
Materials:
Sandstone, brick, wood
Additions and/or changes with date:
1997-1999: Extensive interior and exterior restoration
Historic use/current use:
Historic use: Granary
Current use: Event and community space
Is building open to the public?: Yes
Condition: Excellent
Website and/or sources of information:
Website: http://www.robertleeblafferfoundation.org/rapp-owen_granary.php
Sources:
Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation. “The Rapp-Owen Granary: A Stately Fortress.” Accessed December 3, 2015. http://www.robertleeblafferfoundation.org/rapp-owen_granary.php
National Register of Historic Places. New Harmony Historic District. New Harmony, Posey, Indiana. 2006.
