The Bell Mansion LLC with David Childers

In 1893, celebrated architects Wing and Mahurin laid the cornerstone of this Romanesque-styled mansion. Intriguingly, they are the same architects behind the University of Saint Francis' Bass Mansion and The History Center, both iconic landmarks in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Robert and Clara, the original homeowners, were not just another affluent couple. Robert was a two-time state senator, assistant U.S. Commissioner for Indiana, and a significant investor in natural gas—pioneering the energy landscape for both Fort Wayne, IN and Chicago, IL. Clara was an art enthusiast who played a vital role in establishing the Fort Wayne Art School and co-founding the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Hailing originally from Muncie, IN, they moved to Fort Wayne to expand their multifaceted careers and became local luminaries.
Clara's impact is immortalized at the Art Museum, while Robert's law firm, Barrett-McNagny, continues to serve Fort Wayne to this day. The couple had one child, Bessie, whose life was tragically short-lived due to illness.

Following Robert's death in 1901, the mansion was acquired by William K. Noble, a lumber magnate whose business spanned three states. After 22 years, the building was sold for $50,000 to Klaehn Funeral Home. A west wing was added in 1935 to accommodate growing demand, signaling a departure from the tradition of home-based funerals.
Today, the mansion sprawls over 14,000 square feet of meticulously crafted space, perfect for weddings, parties, and tours. The building's beauty is now preserved by the Sturm family of Fort Wayne, Indiana.