Beck Barn Legacy Lives On at Purdue
- Tim Sheets
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 12
The Indiana Barn Foundation (IBF) has partnered with the Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) to bring the story of the Beck Barn—and Indiana’s agricultural heritage—to life on Purdue’s campus.
The Lawrence, will feature dishes crafted from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The space incorporates elements from the original Beck family barn, once located north of Sheridan, Indiana, and will include an art installation sharing the story of Indiana’s historic barns—a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural history. The displays will highlight images from the barn’s original site and share the Indiana Barn Foundation’s mission to preserve and repurpose historic barns across Indiana. The Lawrence will also house a 200 person event space perfect for weddings, conferences and other special events.
“We’re really excited to bring The Lawrence to Purdue and be part of this community. Our fresh, seasonal dishes are inspired by our agricultural roots and crafted by our chefs with passion. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy great food in a place that celebrates Indiana’s farming heritage.”— Mike Cunningham, CEO, Cunningham Restaurant Group
This collaboration reflects IBF’s dedication to both historic preservation and adaptive reuse, demonstrating how Indiana’s rural landmarks can take on new purpose while honoring the legacy of those who built them.
“By giving the Beck Barn new life at Purdue, we’re connecting Indiana’s farming history with its future in agricultural innovation,” said Mike Thompson, Vice President of the Indiana Barn Foundation.
Opening in early February 2026, The Lawrence will offer students, alumni, and visitors a welcoming space to gather, dine, and celebrate the proud agricultural traditions that define the state of Indiana.
