One of the gleaming double doors that open to the council chambers, now handicapped accessible.
Photos by Bob Wellinski
(Click on photos to enlarge)
LaPorte City Hall — originally the LaPorte post office constructed in 1912-13 — now gleams with new renovations, stem to stern. Bob Wellinski toured the place this week to get shots of the improvements.
From tile roof to tuckpoint to interior upgrades (structural, technological, utility, handicapped-accessible, cosmetic and more), the century-plus-old building breathes new life. Offices have also been shuffled for better public accessibility.
In her book “La Porte, Indiana, and its Environs,” LaPorte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz wrote: “Twenty-five people were employed (at the post office when it opened) and served a population of 10,000. The Italian Renaissance style building was designed by James Knox Taylor of Washington, D.C. The contractor was W.D. Lovell of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the cost was reported to be $56,000.”
While some may balk at the more than $1 million renovation, renewal of this handsome and historic building — headed up by LaPorte’s own Larson-Danielson Construction Co. — seems prudent.
See for yourself at an open house Thursday, March 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.
More city events this weekend
Also on March 20, Mayor Blair Milo will deliver the annual State of the City address at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
And on Friday, March 21, the annual Mayor’s Ball will take place at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium, with music provided by The Tom Milo Big Band. Black tie optional. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the ball officially starting at 7 p.m. and music beginning at 8 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided by The Timbers of Best Western Plus. Cost is $50 per person and $800 for a Gold Table sponsorship (reserved table for 10). Proceeds go toward drug awareness/prevention programs within the community. For reservations or more information, call Annette Loeffler at 219-362-8220.
Mayor Blair Milo works in the renovated and revamped mayor’s office.
The upgraded council chambers.
An elegant light fixture endures on the exterior.
The spruced-up city utilities office.
The Violations Department window.
Another look at those beautiful chamber doors.
The improved exterior.
These familiar residents apparently approve of the upgrades.