Historic Places

Historic Homes of the Fort Wayne Rich and Famous

Historic Homes of the Fort Wayne Rich and Famous premiered March 18, 2021 by ARCH, Inc on YouTube
ARCH ( Architecture and Community Heritage) has been a leading force for preservation in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana since 1975 with monthly programs and more on their website: https://archfw.org/. Recordings of ARCH, Inc. programs are premiered on YouTube.

Indiana houses of the nineteenth century by Peat, Wilbur David, 1898-, Publication date [1969] on Archive.org
There are Fort Wayne Houses mentioned on several pages and photos of four such as Roman and Greek Revival: 38. Hanna-Hayden House, 61. Ewing House; Italianate: 124. Foellinger-Lutes House; and French Romanesque: 190 Hull-Wiehe House.

Historic Places

  1. See our local National Register of Historic Places information.
  2. SHAARD Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) has a 124 page pdf listing Historic Districts and more as Allen County Historic Sites & Structures Survey. Their webpage Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) and Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries (IHBBC) Map has more information including the IHBBC map below.
    IN DNR IHBBC Map

    When you zoom into the map dots for each property appear, then click dot to find online information.

  3. The Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a seven-member mayoral appointed body. Commission members are residents of the City who are interested in the preservation and development of historic areas and include professionals with experience related to history, architecture, construction, and other disciplines related to historic preservation. Qualified Historic Preservation Planners in the City's Community Development Division serve as staff to the HPC. The HPC is empowered to preserve and protect historically or architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites and districts which serve as visible reminders of the historic heritage of the city. The HPC enforces the provisions found in the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 151 of City Code). See also Preservation Guidelines for Historic Districts 92-page document by the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission by the Fort Wayne Community Development.

    May 9, 2023 post by Fort Wayne Neighborhoods on Facebook:

    May is National Historic Preservation Month!

    Did you know the City of Fort Wayne has a Historic Preservation Commission, which helps preserve and protect historically or architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, and districts in our community?

    Learn more here:

    http://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/.../historic... #HPFW23

  4. Historic Districts webpage with links to more information at Fort Wayne Community Development.
  5. Historic Preservation Resources at Fort Wayne Community Development.
  6. Map of Fort Wayne City Historic Districts at Fort Wayne Community Development.
  7. LISTED HISTORIC PROPERTIES AND DISTRICTS FORT WAYNE and ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA 12 page document: Updated through October 29, 2021, this list includes all properties in Fort Wayne and Allen County that have obtained historic designation. The types of historic designation are Fort Wayne Local Historic Districts, the National Register of Historic Places, properties that are listed on the Indiana State Register of Historic Places (without listing on the National Register), National Historic Landmarks, the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), and the Historic American Engineering Survey (HAER). Each entry includes the historic name of the property or district, the year of listing in parentheses, and the address of the property. at the Fort Wayne Community Development.
  8. Architectural Styles and Fort Wayne Architects & Firms at Fort Wayne Community Development.
  9. Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, National/State Register Quick Links, Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant Program, Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries Map at SHAARD at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
  10. 10 Things to Know About Historic Preservation in Fort Wayne at City of Fort Wayne. Was posted May 4, 2022 by Fort Wayne Neighborhoods on Facebook.
    1. Bottle Works former Coca Cola plant
      City of Fort Wayne photo
      Bottle Works Lofts Featured on Historic Preservation Month Poster. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has released its annual National Historic Preservation Month poster. Different types of historic resources are highlighted every year, and this year Fort Wayne is featured! The theme of the poster is historic Coca-Cola plants in Indiana, and the Fort Wayne Coca-Cola Bottling Plant at 1631 E. Pontiac Street is among the featured buildings. The bottling plant is now Bottle Works Lofts; home of 31 apartments.
    2. The Landing is Fort Wayne’s and the State of Indiana’s First Historic District. The Landing Historic District in downtown Fort Wayne was designated in 1965, and it was the city’s first historic district. In fact, The Landing was the first historic district of any kind in the state of Indiana.
    3. Turner Chapel AME Church Is Fort Wayne’s Newest Local Historic District. Located at 836 E. Jefferson Blvd., the church was constructed in 1927. It is significant for its Gothic architecture and for association with Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first African American congregation in Fort Wayne. It is also significant for local Civil Rights activities by the church in the 1960s.
    4. West Central Historic District is Fort Wayne's Largest and Oldest Residential Historic district. West Central was designated as a local historic district in two phases in 1984-1985. It was listed in the National Register in 1984. The district contains virtually all architectural styles that were popular between 1830 and 1950.
    5. Fort Wayne has 6 multiple property local historic districts and 80 individual local historic districts. An example of a multiple property district is the Williams Woodland Park Historic District. Old City Hall (The History Center) is an individual local historic district.
    6. Fort Wayne has 17 districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places and 40 single property National Register listings. An example of a National Register district is the Lakeside Historic District. A new brochure with a map and history of the area will be available soon! The Embassy Theatre is an individual listing on the National Register.
    7. The Chief Richardville House (Akima Pinšiwa Awiiki ) is one of only two National Historic Landmarks in Allen County. The Pinšiwa (Richardville) House is a rare and nationally significant example of a treaty-negotiated residence, built in 1827. It represents the resolve of Civil Chief Pinšiwa and the Myaamia (Miami) people to remain on their traditional lands within the expanding United States. When built, this was the finest house in northern Indiana. It was the primary home of Pinšiwa from 1827 to his death in 1841, and today it is owned and operated by the History Center. Note—the official NHL name of the house is in the Myaamia language.
    8. The Allen County Courthouse is one of two National Historic Landmarks in Allen County. Completed in 1902, the Courthouse was designed by Fort Wayne architect Brentwood Tolan; it is a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style. The exterior of the building has unending classical features, and details that reflect local history. The interior has original murals and sculptures, scagliola faux marbling, unique tile floor designs, and abundant stained glass.
    9. The Johnny Appleseed burial site is the oldest National Register Listing in Fort Wayne. John Chapman (1774-1845) was a pioneer, missionary, and businessman who planted orchards that provided apples (and hard cider) to settlers on the frontier. He died near the Archer family cemetery, where he was buried. The gravesite, listed in 1973, is the pioneer National Register listing in Allen County.
    10. The South Side Farmers Market at 3300 Warsaw Street has been a local historic district since 2001. At the South Side Farmers Market rural life and agriculture, as well as fresh meat, produce, and flowers, can be found in the midst of urban Fort Wayne. The market began in 1926 and is owned and operated by the Allen County Producers Association. The market structures are unlike any others in Fort Wayne, representing the only location in the city with the feel of a historic fairground.
  11. Fort Wayne has 16 national historic districts, but it only has 5 local historic districts concentrated downtown and in near-downtown neighborhoods, including the Columbia Avenue, The Landing, West Central, Williams Woodland Park, and Shawnee Place. it also has standalone historic structures that have their own designations. Read the rest of the story in Historic tours show city from a fresh perspective by Kara Hackett published February 7, 2018 on InputFortWayne.com.
  12. History close to home City awash in areas with architectural, social significance by Jill Downs a Fort Wayne resident who has spent more than 15 years working with organizations and individuals on historic preservation efforts was published August 19, 2018 in The Journal Gazette newspaper. This article gives a brief overview of local historic homes. You can visit her website The Story of Your House .
  13. Historic Districts by Community Development and the City of Fort Wayne has links to brochures, maps and more on historic sites in Fort Wayne.
  14. The Allen County Courthouse was the first National Historical Landmark in Allen County. The Chief Richardville House became the second landmark on March 2, 2012.
  15. Historic Buildings and Structures of the West Central Neighborhood Association Fort Wayne, Indiana on WestCentralNeighborhood.org
  16. Historic Allen County, Indiana places on National Register of Historic Places
  17. Historic Districts in Allen County, Indiana on National Register of Historic Places
  18. Historic Places on National Register of Historic Places listings in Allen County, Indiana on Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Is the most complete list of 65 current and 3 former listings including links to copies of the applications.
  19. Category:National Register of Historic Places in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
  20. Historic Landmarks of Fort Wayne, Indiana a few photos by Mike Habeck on PreserveIndiana.com
  21. Historical Markers on Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
  22. Indiana properties listed on the State and National Registers as of August 2007 at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
  23. Indiana Historical Markers by County on IN.gov.
  24. A few Fort Wayne homes are in the Indiana Houses book below, only a few have photos however.
  25. Several buildings such as the Schmitz Block.
  26. Recording Historic Buildings 176-page book compiled by Harley J. McKee of the U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks Service, 1970. From the book's Forward: "This book has been compiled to serve the needs of those concerned with recording historic structures. It is designed both as an aid to persons already involved in the problems of architectural recording and to encourage others to become involved. Only a productive partnership between Federal, State, and local governments and private individual initiative and effort can assure the adequate recording and successful preservation of our great national patrimony of historic architecture."
  27. City, ARCH to update countywide database of historic sites, structures by the City of Fort Waynestates: The last survey of historic properties in Fort Wayne was completed in the mid 1990s (1996?). It was expected to be complete in 2014. So far in 2019, have not found it online. The Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory at the IUPUI University Library states: Every year since 1978 Indiana Landmarks has surveyed from two to four counties, looking for architecturally and historically significant structures and districts. Indiana Landmarks undertakes this federally mandated program through matching grants from Indiana's Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA). To date, Indiana Landmarks has surveyed 72 of Indiana's 92 counties.
  28. SHAARD post by the INDNR

    May 5, 2023 post by Indiana Department of Natural Resources  on Facebook:

    MAY IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH: The Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) allows users to search for information on known historic resources throughout Indiana. SHAARD includes data from the County Survey Program (Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory), the Indiana Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry, Indiana Historic Bridge Inventory, properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures, and a Historic Theater inventory [Indiana members]. The Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges and Cemeteries map is the GIS map of SHAARD data.

    To learn more about @INDIANA Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, SHAARD, and the IHBBC Map, visit http://dnr.IN.gov/.../national-and-state.../shaard-database

  29. September 1, 2023 post by National Center for Preservation Technology and Training on Facebook:

    Did you know that mortar matters?

    That’s right, the type of mortar you use to point the brick or stone on your historic house or building matters. A LOT! Repointing is a common masonry repair for historic structures. This is when failing or lost mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar.

    Historic mortars are frequently lime-based and are softer and more permeable than modern Portland cement-based mortars. This allows moisture to move in and out of the mortar joint, not the historic brick. The mortar breaks down, protecting the brick. If the historic soft mortar is replaced with a modern, harder mortar, moisture will move through the brick instead. This will cause the historic brick to break down because it is softer than the modern, impermeable mortar. This leads to visual and structural deterioration of your historic building. The same thing can happen with softer stones when paired with a hard, modern mortar.

    Don't worry; there are ways to determine the appropriate mortar recipe for your structure! To learn more about mortar, check out these resources:

    https://www.nps.gov/.../mortar-unsung-hero-of-history.htm

    https://www.nps.gov/.../sharing-the-mysteries-of-mortar.htm

    NCPTT is happy to answer your mortar questions. Feel free to reach out.

    📷 Historic brick with spalling due to a repointing repair with an improper mortar mix.

    Photo Credit: Mary Bindas, NCPTT/NPS

    📷Brick wall with spalling due to repairs made with improper mortar mix.

    Photo Credit: Mary Bindas, NCPTT/NPS

    #nps #architecture #buildings #historicresources #preservationtrades #masonry #historicpreservation #materialconservation

  30. Fort Wayne made it onto a top 10 list of cities that have the most historic homes.

    Posted by WANE 15 on Tuesday, March 26, 2024

    Tuesday, March 26, 2024 post by WANE 15 on Facebook:

    Fort Wayne made it onto a top 10 list of cities that have the most historic homes.

    1 Indiana city has some of the oldest homes on the market   #9 Fort Wayne 39.3% of listed properties are over 100 years old.

Historic Sites

Conducting research on a historic site, structure, vessel or landscape? Consult the nation's largest archive of historical architectural, engineering, and landscape documentation - the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection - in Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/Historic American Landscapes Survey Access publication-quality downloads of measured drawings, black & white and color photographs large format photographs, and written historical reports at NO COST! Copied from a September 28, 2017 post by the Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS on Facebook from the The Library of Congress. The Federal Historic Preservation Laws publication is an anthology of Federal laws and portions of laws related to the preservation of the United States' cultural heritage. The 5th edition is available online as a .PDF from the National Park Service. It is the definitive collection of cultural resource management and historic preservation laws in the US. in the 294 page Federal Historic Preservation Laws The Official Compilation of U.S. Cultural Heritage Statutes 2018 Edition at the National Park Service.

March 11, 2023 post by Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS  on Facebook:

From #abandonedbuildings to #zoos!

Did you kow that you can seardh the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection - the nation's largest archive of historic architectural, engineering, and landscape documentation - in The Library of Congress by subject? Yep!

Bookmark this handy-dandy link to conduct your search for FREE, down-loadable, publication-quality measured drawings, large-format photographs and written historical reports by subject.

Start your search at: Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/Historic American Landscapes Survey - Browse by Subjects

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