Kiwanis Field
901 E Street, La Porte
A Sporting Chance
In 1950, La Porte’s Kiwanis Club spearheaded construction of a new stadium for the local high school’s football team. Architects O’Keefe and Keil delivered a striking Streamline Modern fieldhouse, with locker rooms tucked under a sloping grandstand where students, parents, and fans have gathered for more than 70 years to cheer on the mighty Slicers.
The stadium landed on the 10 Most Endangered list last year after school officials suggested that building a new football stadium would be more cost effective than investing in repairs and updates to the aging facility. Preservation advocates mobilized quickly, with more than 750 community members signing a petition in support of rehabbing the landmark and preserving it as the high school’s signature sports venue.
Since then, school officials have partnered with Indiana Landmarks’ affiliate Preserve Historic La Porte to explore possibilities, commissioning a study that assessed renovation options. Armed with the results, the committee identified a plan that would rehabilitate the existing fieldhouse and locker rooms.
However, it’s too soon to celebrate a preservation win; the school board must still approve the proposal and determine how it will be funded. With community support, a workable rehabilitation strategy, and broad collaboration already in place, it’s time for a final push to get the plan over the goal line.
Todd Zeiger
Director
Indiana Landmarks Northern Regional Office
574-232-4534
tzeiger@indianalandmarks.org
Mark Kurth
President
Preserve Historic La Porte
773-315-6667
markkurth@gmail.com
Saving threatened buildings takes teamwork. You can be a part of that team. Reach out to local leaders. Let them know these buildings are important to you. And support state and local preservation groups.