Indiana Landmarks moving field office to Valparaiso landmark
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Indiana Landmarks is relocating its Northwest Field Office to a mid-century modern landmark in Valparaiso.
The nonprofit historic preservation organization says it is partnering with Valparaiso University to rehabilitate the university’s Linwood House as part of a new leasing agreement.
The Northwest Field Office serves as the base of operations for Indiana Landmarks’ preservation efforts in Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper and White counties.
“This move continues Indiana Landmarks’ practice of investing in important community landmarks for use as regional offices around the state,” Indiana Landmarks President Marsh Davis said in a news release. “The partnership with Valparaiso University presents an exciting opportunity to highlight an architecturally significant property and expand our outreach by hosting public programs in the space.”
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
The Linwood House was built in 1959 to be the home for VU President O.P. Kretzmann. It was designed by architect Charles E. Stade and features horizontal sheathing, bands of large windows, staind glass and elongated bricks that match other campus buildings.
The building served as the home of university presidents through the 1970s and later served as office space for VU. The university vacated the home in 2024, and faculty members then approached Indiana Landmarks about potential reuse possibilities, the organization said.
“In leasing Linwood House to Indiana Landmarks, Valparaiso University has confidence that the significant architectural features of this campus landmark will be protected and its legacy of use as a community gathering space will continue,” said Mark Volpatti, senior vice president for finance and administration at Valparaiso University.
The Northwest Field Office is currently housed in the Illinois Bell Telephone Building in Gary. Indiana Landmarks has reached an agreement with the Nelson Algren Museum of Miller Beach and the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District Inc. for the museum to purchase the 1928 building for an undisclosed sum.
Proceeds for the sale, Indiana Landmarks said, will support the effort to preserve the Linwood House.