More funding to preserve historic places could be on the horizon as the state takes notice of the City of Crawfordsville’s preservation efforts.
Crawfordsville has been named a certified local government by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historical Preservation and Archaeology. The status gives the city a better chance of receiving grants on behalf of nonprofit groups from the state’s Historic Preservation Fund.
“Lafayette’s done it a couple of times, so it’s time to get some of that money coming here,” Tommy Kleckner, director of the nonprofit Indiana Landmarks western regional office, told members of the Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday in announcing the designation.
The Historic Preservation Fund has supported rehabilitation projects and archaeological surveys of state parks and wildlife areas. Commercial properties are not eligible for funding unless owned by a nonprofit agency.
At least 10% of the funding, which states receive from the National Park Service, must go to certified local governments. Crawfordsville joins more than 20 other certified Indiana communities.
Lafayette received funding last year for masonry repair at Trinity United Methodist Church, which was completed in 1872. The grant can also be used to nominate districts to the National Register of Historic Places.
Two local districts are currently on the list. The Crawfordsville Commercial Historic District, which encompasses the central business area, and the Elston Grove Historic District were both added in 1992.
“There are a number of additional eligible National Register districts in town that have yet to be listed,” said Kleckner, who was hired by the city to advise the commission.
As a certified local government, the commission can review National Register nominations filed in the city. The commission is also considering a local historic designation for the downtown.
To become certified, the city had to maintain an active and qualified historic preservation commission and staff, enforce state and local legislation for the designation and protection of local properties, keep an up-to-date inventory of Crawfordsville historic properties, participate in the nomination of local sites to the National Register and hold public events or activities.
A September open house at Fusion 54 drew about 40 people. The commission plans to hold additional events this year.
The commission is searching for new members to fill two open seats, which are appointed by the mayor. Other members include Becky Hankins, Sue Lucas, Tom Neal, Emily Race and Robyn Thompson.
The commission’s next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. March 25 at the City Building.
