The Bloomington Commission was established by city ordinance in 1976 as one of the first local commissions in the State of Indiana. The Commission also, in conjunction with other active preservation organizations like Bloomington Restorations, Inc., the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology and Historic Landmarks Foundations of Indiana, has helped preserve many Bloomington landmarks.

The Commission works to educate the public concerning the goals and methods of historic preservation. Nine volunteer local commissioners, all local residents experienced in historic preservation, are appointed by the mayor. They are assisted by a staff member from the city Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development.

NEWS

Release of New Preservation Plan for Historic Bloomington, January 2012

Preservation Plan 2012 (PDF 16.75 MB)

cover image PPHB

INVITATION SHOWERS LECTURE FEB. 3

Rosemary Miller LEcture

The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission and the Monroe County Historic Preservation Board of Review welcome you to an evening of important local history. In celebration of the publication of her new book, "Showers Brothers Furniture Company: The Shared Fortunes of a Family,a City, and a University," Carrol Krause will preview what promises to be a significant advance in the understanding of Bloomington history. Join us on February 3rd at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers for this free event. Dr. James Madison moderates the evening, with remarks by Dr. Eric Sandweiss. A display of Showers artifactys, from the collections of the Monroe County History Center is planned for the atrium in February. For more information call 349-3507

Historic Designation

The main activity of the Historic Preservation Commission is to recommend buildings and districts for local historic designation. The Commission reports to and advises the Common Council on designation. Only the owner of a property or the Commission itself can make application. In Bloomington we also have two conservation districts, a kind of protection which offers less regulation than a local historic district. Find more information, including application forms and downloadable brochures

Demolition Delay

In 2005, Bloomington passed an ordinance that provides oversight of the demolition of all properties listed in the city's historic survey. This law ensures that the public is made aware of the possible loss or partial demolition of properties in Bloomington that have demonstrated historic significance. When a demolition permit application is received by the Planning Department, notice is forwarded to the Commission which may decide to delay the permit for up to 90 days. During this period the Commission considers public opinion and the impact of the demolition. After these discussions, the Commission may decide to recommend historic designation. This regulation affects properties listed in the survey that are classified as "contributing, notable, or outstanding." Find more information about demolition delay or search a list of properties, searchable by address.

Explore Historic Bloomington

In 1987, Bloomington developed its first five Walking Tour brochures describing neighborhoods of historic interest. Through the years this list has grown to include a dozen tours with individual brochures on cemeteries, the Showers Building, the Courthouse Square and many unique historic neighborhoods. These brochures are downloadable with pages giving brief overviews, maps, archival photographs and distance information. Search for a walking tour

Members:

Appointee

Appointed By:

Term Expiration Date:

Doug Bruce

The Mayor

12/31/2012

Jeannine Butler

The Mayor

12/31/2014

Chris Sturbaum

The Mayor

12/31/2012

Sandra Clothier

The Mayor

12/31/2014

Bridget Edwards

The Mayor

12/31/2014

Marjorie Hudgins

The Mayor

12/31/2013

Daneille Bachant-Bell

The Mayor

12/31/2013

Marleen Newman

The Mayor

12/31/2013

Doug Wissing

The Mayor

12/31/2012

Eric Sandweiss

City Council

12/31/2012

David Harstad

City Council

12/31/2012

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Information in Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission