The Logansport Historic Preservation Commission presented an overview of its role and activities to the Logansport Common Council on Sept. 8, highlighting technical assistance from Indiana Landmarks and local projects including the Memorial Home rehabilitation and the Riverside National Register Historic District.

Barbara Stein, president of the Historic Preservation Commission, described the commission as the guardian of the city’s architectural heritage, responsible for reviewing development and preservation that affects locally designated landmarks and historic districts. She emphasized education and advocacy as part of the commission’s mission.

Deb Purcell of Indiana Landmarks explained the Commission Assistance Program (CAP) that Indiana Landmarks provides under contract with the city: attending commission meetings, reviewing Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications, conducting site visits, preparing reports comparing projects to local guidelines, and delivering training workshops for the commission and the public.

Mike Stidahar, vice president of the commission, described the two-part process the commission uses: designation (usually owner-initiated and advisory to the council, with first and second readings before council action) and COA review when exterior changes may affect historic character. He said the zoning administrator may deem minor changes allowable without commission review; more significant proposals are heard by the Historic Preservation Commission with Indiana Landmarks’ analysis; most applications are resolved and approved by the commission.

Stein reported that the commission reviewed 14 COAs last year: 11 approved as submitted, two approved with conditions and one denied — a roughly 93% approval rate. The commission highlighted ongoing support for the Memorial Home renovation and recommended pursuing local historic-district designation for that property to preserve protections beyond the current restoration effort. The commission said Riverside National Register Historic District has approximately 317 resources and noted tax-credit and grant opportunities for National Register properties.

Indiana Landmarks described past workshops (window repair; upcoming plaster workshop Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Center) and an endangered-places grant used for an assessment of the Memorial Home structure. Commission members said these workshops draw homeowners and visitors from outside the city and support preservation goals.

Ending: Commission leaders thanked the council for support and invited questions and further collaboration; council members were asked to consider local designations and to continue contracting with Indiana Landmarks for technical assistance.