Proposed Expansion of the

West Central Local Historic District

 

Introduction

 

Part of the mission of the West Central Neighborhood Association (WCNA) is the preservation of the diverse assets that grace our historic neighborhood.  The WCNA has a long history of working to protect the historic character of its neighborhood by working to create the West Central National Register District and the West Central Local Historic District (for more information, please also see http://www.westcentralneighborhood.org/preservation.html)

 

With the construction of Harrison Square occurring, it is even more important to ensure that our neighborhood maintains its aesthetic nature, historic character, and architectural diversity that have made it the grandest neighborhood in Fort Wayne.  In the Spring of 2008, the WCNA determined it wanted to expand the boundaries of the Local Historic District (LHD) as a means of accomplishing this goal.  The purple shaded area on the map below shows the proposed boundaries of the expansion area.  The area in yellow that is visible is a small portion of the existing LHD.

 

  

Details about LHD Designation

 

The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has prepared a publication “Preservation:  Property Values in Indiana” that is available at

http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/community_development/historic_preservation/files/property_values.pdf

 

Benefits of LHD designation include:

  • Historic districts often mirror the entire community in terms of their economic, educational, social, and racial diversity.
  • The ratio of homeowners to renters tends to be higher than in similar undesignated areas.
  • People who move into historic districts do not "just pass through," but tend to be residents for extended periods, adding stability to the neighborhood and a lively sense of community.
  • Home buyers who choose historic districts often have broader housing choices, and get more house, dollar for dollar, for their money.

A misconception about LHD designation is that property owners are severely restricted in what can be done to the exterior of their property.  The following website provides a summary of acceptable and unacceptable exterior materials.

http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/community_development/historic_preservation/files/HISTORIC%20PRESERVATION%20GUIDELINES.pdf

Neighborhood Action Plan

In late October 2008, property owners in the proposed expansion area were mailed information related to this project, and were also invited to attend a meeting on November 11, 2008, to discuss it in detail and to get any questions answered.  We also hope that those who live in or own property in the targeted expansion area will take the opportunity to read the information on the above websites.  Updates on the progress of the expansion plan will be discussed at the monthly meetings of the WCNA (please see the Calendar for meeting details). 

The expansion process is a lengthy process and will take months to complete.  Currently, WCNA volunteers are in the process of gathering signatures to help the project move forward.  As of December 2008, the responses by property owners in the area are running 3-to-1 in favor of the effort.

Questions

WCNA President Mike Anderson (918-RENT)

WCNA secretary Charlotte Weybright (420-9425/home) or (348-8273/cell)