Preservation group to include sites of LGBTQ significance in historic area plans

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday announced that it would include sites of significance to the LGBTQ community’s history in its next comprehensive update of the city’s 17 historic area plans.

The IHPC said it would use a comprehensive study performed by Indiana Landmarks in 2016 that identified 104 historic properties with LGBTQ significance. The historic preservation group’s criteria in compiling the list included civil rights, arts, health, businesses, residences, events, organizations, and name affiliations.

A committee of representatives from the IHPC, Indiana Landmarks, the State Historic Preservation Office, IUPUI, and the Indiana Historical Society recommended the sites be memorialized and included in the plans.

The next effort to update those plans, called the Preserve Indy Initiative, is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

The IHPC is responsible for developing plans for local historic areas that help guide development decisions, with the goal of preserving the unique historic character of each area.

The IHPC said it would be the first local preservation group in the country to include LGBTQ history in all historic area plans.

“As we celebrate Pride Month, this is a significant moment for our city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in written remarks. “Indianapolis is a city that welcomes all, and I hope other cities follow suit as we pioneer these historic preservation efforts.”