Members of the Logansport Historic Preservation Commission and Indiana Landmarks briefed the Common Council on Sept. 8 about the commission’s role, the process for local historic designation and assistance available to property owners.

Barbara Stein, president of the commission, described the commission’s mission: “Our mission extends beyond regulation to education and advocacy,” and introduced the commission’s membership and Indiana Landmarks’ regional staff, who support the commission’s technical reviews.

Deb Purcell, a regional staff member for Indiana Landmarks, explained the Commission Assistance Program (CAP) contract: Indiana Landmarks attends commission meetings, conducts site visits, prepares Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) reports comparing proposed exterior changes to design guidelines, and runs training workshops for property owners. Purcell noted Indiana Landmarks provides technical assistance and sometimes reviews downtown façade grant applications.

Vice president Mike Stidahar outlined the local designation process and how the COA process works. He said owners typically initiate designation by filing an application with the planning department, the commission reviews applications for historic, cultural or architectural significance and the city council makes designation decisions after first and second readings. Stidahar described how a zoning administrator may handle minor work but would forward significant exterior alterations to the Historic Preservation Commission and that the commission resolves most applications through conditions or approval; he estimated a high approval rate and said appeals to the courts remain available in rare denials.

Commission members highlighted recent work, including support for the Riverside National Register Historic District and advocacy for local protection of the Memorial Home as the property is rehabilitated and reused. The commission said it had a 93% approval rate last year on COAs (11 approved as submitted, two approved with conditions, one denied) and noted continued efforts to run owner workshops on topics such as window repair and plaster techniques. The commission asked for continued council support for its education and advocacy activities.

Council members thanked the commission and Indiana Landmarks for the report and said they would continue to work with staff on ongoing designations and technical support for rehabilitation projects.