Governor's award to be presented to La Porte, Dec. 11

Indiana DNR Release:

The first annual Governor’s Award for Preservation of Historic Places will be presented during the Statehood Day Ceremony, Dec. 11, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, to the City of La Porte, for its restoration of the historic Central Station Plaza Train Depot.

The restoration has been a goal of the community through four different mayoral administrations. The depot was the center of transportation for passengers and freight in La Porte for more than 50 years after it opened in 1910. When passenger service ended in 1968, the building began to deteriorate and was finally abandoned. Beginning in 1990, city residents expressed an interest in preserving the landmark. The City of La Porte faced many challenges as it negotiated a long-term lease of the depot and sought funding.

Using Transportation Enhancement Funds from the Indiana Department of Transportation, a Historic Preservation Fund grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, Tax Increment Financing through the City’s Redevelopment Commission, and funds appropriated by the City, construction finally began in 2005.

The building is now a visitors center for the community and houses the offices of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation.

The careful rehabilitation of the Central Station Plaza Train Depot has preserved its original character while allowing for current uses. In addition to the renovation of the depot, the unusual canopy that once sheltered passengers on the platform has been restored. The depot is located within the Downtown La Porte Historic District and once again contributes a sense of place that attracts residents and visitors alike.

The award is given for projects completed in Indiana within the past two years, and recognizes outstanding grassroots efforts in historic preservation and archaeology. Nominations for are submitted to the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, which selects the recipient on behalf of the Governor’s Office.