NEWS

Staying True to Form at Lafayette’s Fowler House

We’re working with owners of the historic Fowler House to make sure work to transform the remarkable home into an events venue doesn’t alter its historic character.

Fowler House, Lafayette

Gothic Beauty

For more than 60 years, the Moses Fowler House in Lafayette served as a museum, wowing guests with its remarkable architecture and interiors. Two years ago, the Tippecanoe County Historical Association sold the house to The 1852 Foundation (named for the Fowler House’s construction date), which is converting it to a special events venue.

Widely regarded as one of Indiana’s finest examples of Gothic Revival style architecture, the house’s singular status prompted The 1852 Foundation to donate a preservation easement on the property to Indiana Landmarks in 2015. While most preservation easements cover only the exterior of historic structures, our easement on the Fowler House protects several of the original high-style interior public spaces as well.

Our Western Regional Office staff has been working closely with The 1852 Foundation to ensure the historic character doesn’t suffer when necessary upgrades take place. Changes include reversing the swing of original exterior doors that serve as emergency exits, installing smoke and fire detection systems and exit signs, and adding a new exterior ADA-compliant lift.

The most noticeable upgrade, a new commercial kitchen, required construction of a new lower-level addition. Sympathetic but distinct, the addition also provides an attractive guest amenity—an expanded outdoor terrace area on the roof.

 

Fowler House, Lafayette
A new addition behind the Fowler House creates room for a commercial kitchen and expands the outdoor terrace. (Photos: courtesy of the 1852 Foundation)

The 1852 Foundation has already completed roof repairs, window rehab, exterior paint, system upgrades, and landscape improvements. Next up, converting bedrooms on the second floor into leasable office space for area nonprofits.

Visit The 1852 Foundation’s website or Facebook page to learn more about special events, rentals, and opportunities to support the Fowler House project. For information about Indiana Landmarks’ preservation easement program, contact our Western Regional Office, 812-232-4534, west@indianalandmarks.org.

Sign up for our e-newsletter.

Stay up to date on the latest news, stories, and events from Indiana Landmarks, around the state or in your area.