Located in the heart of Fort Wayne’s near-east side, the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District is more than just a collection of beautiful homes—it’s a living tribute to the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.
The district primarily runs along North Anthony Boulevard, stretching from Lake Avenue south to State Street, and reaching into the Crescent avenues just west of Anthony. It’s also adjacent to East State Boulevard to the north. This historic corridor is especially known for its well-preserved Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman-style homes, each one reflecting a different era in Fort Wayne’s growth.
Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to the area, or just passing through, here are some of the highlights and local experiences that make the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District, Fort Wayne, Indiana, so special.
5 Things to See and Do in the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District
Walking, biking, or driving? No matter your travel mode, there’s something unique around every corner. From parks and historic houses to vibrant local businesses, here are some of the standout spots in the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District.
Colonial Revival Homes and Historic Architecture
This neighborhood is best known for its early 20th-century homes—many in the Colonial Revival style—featuring symmetrical facades, classic detailing, and inviting front porches. The layout of Anthony Boulevard itself reflects the vision of famed landscape architect George Kessler, whose 1912 parks and boulevards plan helped shape Fort Wayne’s most scenic corridors.
Taking a walk down Anthony Blvd or State Street feels like stepping into a history book, with each home and carefully designed streetscape telling a story of the city’s architectural and urban evolution.
William C. and Clara Hagerman House
One of the most notable historic homes in the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District is the William C. and Clara Hagerman House, located at 2105 North Anthony Boulevard. Built around 1923, this residence is an excellent example of American Craftsman-style architecture, a popular style in early 20th-century residential design that emphasized handcrafted details, natural materials, and strong horizontal lines.
The Hagerman House features hallmark Craftsman elements like a low-pitched roof, exposed rafter tails, wide overhangs, and a welcoming front porch supported by thick square columns. The home has been recognized for its architectural significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the district’s overall historic designation.
Lakeside Park and Rose Garden
Just off Lake Avenue, Lakeside Park is a local gem and one of Fort Wayne’s most beloved public spaces. Known for its colorful rose garden, winding paths, and tranquil ponds, it’s a perfect place to take a stroll, relax on a bench, or snap a few photos. The park also offers tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas for families and visitors.
East State Village
Where East State Boulevard meets Anthony Blvd, you’ll find East State Village, a vibrant, walkable strip full of local flavor. It’s home to neighborhood favorites. Whether you’re grabbing a morning latte or catching a band at night, this corner of the district is full of character.
Maumee Pathway With Rivergreenway Trail Access
While not technically inside the district, the Maumee Pathway section of the Rivergreenway Trail is easily accessible from nearby Lake Avenue. You can walk or bike along the river, connecting to miles of scenic trails that stretch across Fort Wayne. It’s perfect for weekend rides or early-morning jogs.
Thanks to its active neighborhood association, this district regularly hosts events that bring residents together—holiday gatherings, historic home tours, cleanup days, and even yard sales that feel like neighborhood-wide festivals. If you want to get involved or learn more about the area’s preservation efforts, the association is a great place to start.
Sheets: Keeping North Anthony Homes Comfortable Since 1961
One of the best things about living in a neighborhood like the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District in Fort Wayne is the charm and character you just don’t get in newer developments. But with that charm often comes some quirks—especially when it comes to heating, cooling, and plumbing systems in older homes.
That’s why you need a trusted local company like Sheets Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve been working on Fort Wayne homes since 1961, and we understand what it takes to bring modern comfort to historic properties without compromising their integrity.
Here’s what you can expect when you call us:
- We’re fully licensed and insured, so you’re always covered.
- We’re a local, family-owned company, and we treat your home like it’s our own. We’re proud to be BBB-accredited with an A+ rating—because we believe in doing things the right way.
- As an Authorized Trane Dealer, we install top-quality systems that work quietly, efficiently, and fit your space.
- We provide financing options to help make larger repairs or replacements manageable for your budget.
- We offer maintenance plans that include regular tune-ups, priority service, and discounts, so you can save money and avoid more breakdowns.
- And we’re here when you need us—with 24/7 emergency service, because problems don’t always wait for regular business hours.
What Can Sheets Help You With?
Every home’s a little different—especially around here. Maybe you’ve got original ductwork from the 1940s, a mix of old and new plumbing, or a heating system that’s been patched together over the years. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to work with what your home has. Our services include:
Heating
From replacing outdated furnaces to maintaining boilers and heat pumps, we make sure your home stays warm through Indiana’s coldest months. We work with traditional heating systems as well as ductless and zoned setups—perfect for homes with unique layouts or older construction.
Cooling
Don’t let an older home stop you from staying cool in the summer. We install and repair central AC, ductless mini splits, and high-efficiency heat pumps—ideal for comfort without overhauling your whole house. And with regular maintenance, we’ll help your system run at peak performance all season long.
Plumbing
From updating kitchen and bathroom plumbing to replacing aging pipes and handling emergency leak repairs, we handle it all. We also install and service water heaters, sump pumps, softeners, and garbage disposals—helping you protect your home from the inside out.
Indoor Air Quality
Older homes can trap dust, moisture, and airborne particles. We install and maintain air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, smart thermostats, and carbon monoxide detectors to help you breathe easier and stay healthier year-round.
Schedule Your Appointment With Sheets Today
Historic homes don’t come with manuals, but we’ve worked on enough of them to know what to expect. Whether it’s heating, cooling, or plumbing, we’ve got the experience (and the patience) to get it right. Let’s get you on the schedule—call or reach out online to schedule HVAC or plumbing services in the North Anthony Boulevard Historic District with Sheets Heating, Cooling and Plumbing!