Tipton’s downtown district added to National Register of Historic Places

TIPTON, Ind. (WISH) — Tipton’s downtown district has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the central Indiana city announced in a news release issued Monday.

The release said the designation will provide the city with new economic incentives and preservation resources. The designation, which became official in January, followed several years of collaboration between the city and business organizations.

The Courthouse Square Historic District includes 60 structures built between 1880 and 1964. Key landmarks within the district include the Tipton Post Office, the historic Diana Theater, and the Tipton County Jail. The National Register status allows property owners to qualify for rehabilitation tax credits and grant opportunities aimed at restoring historic buildings and encouraging downtown investment.

The nomination effort began in mid-2023 when the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, supported by Indiana Landmarks, started the formal process. The chamber hired K.W. Garner Consulting to prepare the submission for the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office. Following an 18-month state review, the National Park Service recommended the district for approval on Oct. 22.

Republican Mayor ...