Preserve-it Allen! Brochure Available

The recommendations of the Preserve-it Allen! Historic Preservation Strategy are described in a new, full-color brochure produced by the City'€™s Division of Community Development.

Developed as a compliment to the Plan-it Allen! Comprehensive Plan, the Strategy is a comprehensive approach to enhance the preservation of historic structures and develop heritage resources in Fort Wayne and Allen County. An advisory committee, representing a wide range of professional expertise and various communities throughout Allen County, reviewed current issues and practices in the field of historic preservation and discussed their relevance to our community heritage and historic resources. The discussions and community input led to the recommendations listed in the brochure.

One recommendation of Preserve-it Allen! that has been implemented is the adoption of a new Fort Wayne Historic Preservation and Protection Ordinance. The major changes of the new ordinance include: renaming the Historic Preservation Review Board as the Historic Preservation Commission, clarifying processes and procedures, and improving the flow of the document.

It also introduces Conservation Districts; a new tool for neighborhood preservation.  Conservation Districts are targeted toward areas that do not qualify for Local Historic District status due to loss of historic integrity or incompatible new development. The designation also helps preserve and protect existing architectural and neighborhood character by review of new construction and proposed demolitions.

Preserve-it Allen! brochures are available at various locations, including Allen County Public Library branches, the ARCH office, the History Center, and the City-County Building. To learn more about Preserve-it Allen! or to see the new preservation ordinance and brochure, visit the City'€™s website at www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation or call the City Planning Department at 427-1127.