Valparaiso University partners with Indiana Landmarks

Valparaiso University and nonprofit organization Indiana Landmarks are partnering to bring new life to Linwood House, a historic mid century modern home on the university’s campus. The Linwood House was originally home to Dr. O.P. Kretzmann, the university’s president from 1940 to 1968. The house then became office space, but the university decided to vacate the Linwood House in 2024. Now, in partnership with Indiana Landmarks, the Linwood House will be revitalized and put to use as a regional office for Indiana Landmarks.

According to an article on Valparaiso University’s website, Mark Volpatti, Ed.D., CPA, who is the senior vice president for finance and administration at Valparaiso University, was quoted as saying, “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.”

The agreement between Valparaiso University and Indiana Landmarks will allow the nonprofit to restore and utilize the Linwood House as its northwest field office, where it will support its work of restoration and revitalization efforts in Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper, and White counties. In addition to serving as office space for Indiana Landmarks, the house will also host educational workshops and programs for the public.

Architect Charles E. Stade designed the Linwood House in 1959. It features stained glass, distinctive brickwork, and horizontal sheathing, and was designed with both Prairie style and Modernist influences. While the building has reached the end of its use for the university, Indiana Landmarks will take it over, preserving the vintage building and utilizing its space for its regional office.

According to the Indiana Landmarks website, the organization “revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places.” The organization started in 1960 as the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and has since worked to save and preserve historic buildings all over the state.

Marsh Davis, the president of Indiana Landmarks, said of the partnership, “This move continues Indiana Landmarks’ practice of investing in important community landmarks for use as regional offices around the state. 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.”

For more information about Valparaiso University, visit the school’s website.