What’s happening: The Historic West Central Neighborhood is inviting people to attend their Home & Garden Tour, which features nine ticketed stops, showcasing the historic charm and modern design within the district on Sept. 6 and 7. Featured homes represent more than a century of architecture.
Highlights of the tour include a Tudor Revival celebrating its 100th year and a new build showcasing the neighborhood’s evolution while maintaining its historic character. Other stops feature homes with notable past residents, such as former Mayor Charles A. Zollinger and Alfred W. Kettler, co-founder of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Alongside architecture and historic charm, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience art and music at its accompanying ArtFest. The main event area on West Wayne is scheduled to host more than 35 artist booths and eight music or dance performances throughout the weekend.
As a new addition this year, visitors will have the opportunity to take a trolley to stop at eight resident Art Spaces and three Bonus Tour Stops, including the newly renovated Presidential on Berry and the Elex Apartments.
The Home & Garden Tour, as well as the ArtsFest, are hosted annually to celebrate the community, preservation, and creativity of West Central. Proceeds from these events support preservation efforts and community programming.
What they’re saying: “West Central is where history and creativity come together. This weekend offers a rare chance to see the past preserved, the present celebrated, and the future being built right in our neighborhood.” – Ryan Benton, Chair of the West Central Home & Garden Tour Committee.
How to attend: Tickets are available online for $18. Tickets can also be purchased day of for $20 at ticket booths located at the Swinney Park tennis courts or the corner of W. Wayne & Union Streets.
Home & Garden Tours run Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ArtFest takes place during the same dates and times. Music performances will take place from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
More on West Central: According to the committee’s press release, West Central is known for its walkability, artistic history, and vibrant front porch culture. The neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Homeowners listed within the Local Historic District must seek approval from a Historic Preservation Committee before making any changes to their home that are visible to the public and must follow preservation guidelines. This helps maintain the historical integrity of West Central, and in turn, makes it one of the most architecturally and culturally rich districts in Fort Wayne.
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