Fort Wayne’s Shawnee Place earns national landmark status
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A neighborhood full of early 20th century homes in Fort Wayne was just named to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Shawnee Place Historic District, which sits in the Fairfield Neighborhood a short drive south from downtown Fort Wayne, was bestowed the honor by the National Park Service. The register recognizes properties worthy of preservation due to their historic character.
Shawnee Place has almost 250 homes in its three block radius. Most were built from 1903-1940 by Wildwood Builders of Fort Wayne, though one house dates to 1872. The neighborhood was home to many working class people who worked at the nearby Packard organ factory, the city said in a news release
“Fort Wayne is filled with unique, desirable, and livable neighborhoods that are physical illustrations of our city’s history. Historic districts tell our stories through the historic resources left for our stewardship,” said Jonathan Leist, Fort Wayne’s director of community development. “The National Register of Historic Places listing provides recognition of the heritage of Shawnee Place and the Fairfield Neighborhood, as well as our entire community.”
The houses in Shawnee place encompass a range of architectural styles from colonial revival, prairie school and bungalow craftsman.
Properties end up on the National Register of Historic Places based on nominations from state preservation offices. The Fairfield Neighborhood Association worked with local and statewide preservation officials to gain the status.
There are no restriction for altering or tearing down buildings on the National Register of Historic Places unless the property is receiving federal funding of some sort.