Historical Preservation
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 three conservation districts, a kind of protection which offers less regulation than a local historic district. Application forms and downloadable brochures are available on this site
learn more about Historic Designation
Walking Tours
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.
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." More information and a list of properties, searchable by address, is available on this site.
learn more about Demolition Delay
Maps
Maps of Bloomington's historic and conservation districts.
Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission works to preserve Bloomington landmarks and educate the public concerning the goals and methods of historic preservation.
learn more about the commission
Survey
Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology and the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission partner to review and update a survey of historic sites and structures within the city limits. You can search the results to see if a local business or residence is recorded as a historical site.
Spotlight Webpages in Historical Preservation
Painting Your Historic Property | |
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Your Historic Windows | |
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Information in Historical Preservation
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