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Beck Barn Activation Project

Located in Squirrel Park between Airport Road and McCutcheon Drive just off Mitch Daniels Boulevard, Beck Barn is a 10,600-square-foot, multi-use building. Inside, The Lawrence offers menus crafted from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients, presented in ways that are innovative yet approachable.

The new facility was constructed using a century-old barn donated by Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, and the Beck family. Construction kept the character and feel of the historic barn while providing the modern structure and amenities needed for a high-capacity hospitality space.

In the news

A large group of people stand, mid-ribbon-cutting, in front of the large wood and glass facade of The Lawrence Restaurant.

New farm fresh restaurant The Lawrence opens in Discovery Park District at Purdue

Quick Updates

Apr 2023

West Lafayette City Council passes ordinance for DPD Activation Project

2016

Initial site planning presented

Explore the Activation

A large group of people stand, mid-ribbon-cutting, in front of the large wood and glass facade of The Lawrence Restaurant.
A group of four men pose in front of The Lawrence restaurant.
Two men stand together with their backs to camera, looking at the interior of The Lawrence restaurant.
Image of Beck Barn at night.
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Architect Renderings

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Key Players

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Timeline

2016

Initial site planning for Beck Barn and Squirrel Park were presented.

Spring 2018

A master plan for the $1 billion Discovery Park District was unveiled, which included the enhanced Squirrel Park with a mix of landscaped park spaces recreational areas and pedestrian pathways. READ MORE

Spring 2023

The West Lafayette City Council approved a plan to renovate Squirrel Park into a community space based on plans presented by PRF.

Spring 2023

The West Lafayette City Council passed an ordinance in support of the district’s activation project.

Spring 2024

Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) announced they would open a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a historic barn, soon-to-be community hub. Construction would keep the character and feel of the Beck Barn, donated by Sonny Beck and the Beck family. READ MORE

winter 2024

PRF and CRG named the restaurant coming to the barn The Lawrence, a tribute to the Beck family’s enduring impact on Indiana agriculture. Restaurant-goers in the district will enjoy a blend of Indiana history and modern dining. READ MORE

Construction on the core and shell of the barn was ongoing with the historic Beck Barn arriving on site.

summer 2025

The core and shell of the building are expected to be completed by July.

fall 2025

Tenant improvement phase commenced in the fall, ensuring that the interior spaces are tailored to meet the specific needs of the occupants.

Phase 2 will focus on outside work, including a plaza, parking lot, playground, and the park itself.

Winter 2026

The Lawrence restaurant officially opens in Beck Barn. READ MORE

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