If you’re familiar with Greater Lafayette, you’re likely aware that the area has a rich history, including many older homes and buildings that are still around to this day. Some of these properties have been labeled as historic or fall within a historic district in effort to help preserve them for many more years to come.
If you’re interested in owning property that has been deemed historic, there’s some important information you need to know beforehand, especially if you’re planning on making any changes to that property whether it’s something as simple as replacing windows all the way up to demolition.
As a way to preserve and protect the historic heritage of both of these cities, Lafayette and West Lafayette have both established their own nine-member Historic Preservation Committees, Lafayette’s in 1993 and West Lafayette’s in 2011. These committees are made up of residents that are both knowledgeable and passionate about preserving the history of their city.
These committee members are tasked with reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness, better known as a COA, applications from home/business owners looking to remodel exterior, begin new construction, or demolish property that require authorized approval beforehand.
The commission also offers advice regarding maintenance, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of historic buildings.
Both cities offer valuable resources online to help answer any questions you may have about historic properties and the appropriate steps that need to be taken before any work can begin.
Lafayette: https://www.lafayette.in.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=134
West Lafayette: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/board.php?structureid=82