History is preserved in Albion as its economy evolves
Albion is an agricultural community that became more industrial when the railroads arrived in the 1870s. “The town's population grew throughout the 1900s, seeing the most significant growth during the last half. The community attracted professionals engaged in government-related activities and workers and families to fill jobs in its industrial park,” says Lori Gagen, lifelong resident and president of the Super Town of Albion Revitalization (STAR) Team.
In the town’s center, the Noble County Courthouse represents Albion’s county seat status and anchors its downtown historic district, consisting of century-old homes and Italianate storefronts. Albion residents are proud of the town’s history and want to preserve it. “That culture consistently proves challenging to the town leaders who try to balance what is necessary to thrive with what is necessary to maintain the historic, small town charm of the community,” Gagen says.
Locally focused downtown Albion and national chains in Kendallville
Albion’s downtown features several locally owned restaurants, including Albion Ale House and El Mariachi Mexican Grill. Albion Pizza Depot’s dining room has a railroad theme, with framed train-centric art on the walls. Locally owned shops, Heath’s Antiques and Butterfly Alley Gifts, are also downtown. “Doc's Hardware is a must-see, and the historic downtown retail store has been a hardware store for generations,” Gagen says. “Lucky visitors who happen to stop in while owner Duber is in the house have been known to enjoy a personally guided tour of the store.” A Kroger, Walmart and additional restaurants are about 12 miles away in Kendallville.
Historic homes near downtown and single-family homes in subdivisions
Many Victorian and bungalow homes were built between the early and mid-20th century near Albion’s historic downtown area. Their prices range from about $120,000 to $200,000. Ranch-style homes, priced from just over $160,000 to $330,000, and New Traditionals were erected later, some in subdivisions. New Traditionals vary from one to two stories and range from nearly $250,000 to $380,000.
Central Noble Community Schools and Advanced Placement courses
Albion is in the northern region of the Central Noble Community Schools district attendance boundary. It consists of three schools, including Central Noble Primary, a kindergarten through second-grade school that earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Third, fourth and fifth graders may attend Central Noble Elementary. The elementary school and Central Noble Junior-Senior High both earn B-minuses. Students in 11th and 12th grades may take Advanced Placement courses in various subjects.
Parks and clubs with sports facilities near Chain O’ Lakes State Park
In Hidden Diamonds Park, a walking trail loops around a splash pad, baseball fields and a disc golf course. The park also includes a basketball court and an extreme sports park with skate ramps and rails. Valleyview Park also features a baseball field and playground. “The nearby Chain O’ Lakes State Park is enjoyed by locals, as well as hundreds of thousands of visitors for its kettle lakes, kayaking and fishing,” Gagen says. Over 23 miles of hiking trails lie across the park’s 2,700 acres. “The local conservation club enjoys target and skeet shooting every week, year-round,” she says, regarding the Albion Conservation Club on West Main Street.
Celebrations like Chain O’ Lakes Festival and Christmas in the Village
Downtown Albion hosts holiday celebrations and the Chain O’ Lakes Festival in June. “Three of the four streets surrounding the historic courthouse are closed for four days so folks can enjoy a traditional street fair. The festival brings local nonprofits together in a food alley and features carnival games and rides, as well as traditional contests that engage local youth and families, plus a live music stage,” Gagen says. “Christmas in the Village is a newer tradition that brings thousands of spectators to town, where they are encouraged to shop local and enjoy a holiday lights parade at dusk that brings Santa to town for a meet and greet and photos with youngsters. Many call it Albion's own ‘Hallmark moment.’” Downtown hosts this event in early December.
Town center tied to Fort Wayne via state roads and train tracks
State roads 8 and 9 intersect in the town’s center, connecting the area to Fort Wayne, about 35 miles away. Fort Wayne International Airport is around a 40-mile drive and has 13 non-stop flights, all of which lead to domestic destinations. Freight trains travel through southern Albion, an area that is home to more farmland and industrial complexes than homes. The tracks intersect State Road 9, so traffic may occur when trains pass.
