The Kingsbury in Howe is a group of historic buildings located in Howe, Indiana. Located 20 minutes northeast of Shipshewana, the business is more than just a piece of history, it’s a creative endeavor led by local artist and entrepreneur Andi Sherman.
Andi got her start in the bridal beauty industry and creative community revitalization projects. Through her non-profit organization, The Howe Historical Society, she spearheads fundraising efforts to restore the landmark, aiming to create a unique destination experience that blends historical preservation with modern creative community engagement.
The Kingsbury in Howe has been a cornerstone of Howe since being completed in 1864. Over the past 160 years, these historic buildings have served the community in various capacities. They served as a hotel, library, hardware store, and once even an art gallery. In the early 2000s, a private investor began restoring the former hotel and its adjoining spaces, hoping to bring them back to life. But the vision was never fully realized, and by the summer of 2023, the buildings were put back on the market.
“It was almost exactly ten years earlier when I drove past the buildings for the first time,” said Andi. “A moment I remember vividly because I actually gasped and asked my husband what they were and what kind of exciting things might be inside for us to explore. But there was nothing. Not one cool thing.”
It wasn’t long after the For Sale sign went up that Andi and her husband bought the Kingsbury. “The realization that such stunning historic buildings, rich with history and perfectly situated in town, next to the toll road, were being so underutilized weighed heavy on my heart for nearly a decade.”
Since purchasing the Kingsbury, Andi has focused her efforts on restoring the buildings. She’s also created spaces inside for shopping, events, and a photography studio. You’ll find The Little Shoppe, The Work Shoppe, The Photo Studio, and The Beauty Studio inside. They are just a portion of LaGrange County’s uniqueness and creativity. “There are few places in the world where you can find such a diverse group of local artisans & artists who are living their dreams of crafting and creating for a living. It’s a beautiful thing to see people living out their dreams.”
Andi is continuously looking to add more businesses to partner with. Shipshewana’s own Ben’s Pretzels will be opening a restaurant inside the Kingsbury. “We know it will be a huge draw for visitors and locals alike!”
“The Kingsbury in Howe is something that needs to be experienced because words fail to really capture the sense of magic and wonder when people walk into the door and their jaws drop.”
If you are interested in donating to the Howe Historical Society (501c3) Project Fund, for the continued renovation, restoration, and maintenance of The Kingsbury in Howe, contact Andi at [email protected]
