National Historic Districts And Why Taylor Should Be

National Historic Districts And Why Taylor Should Be Among Them

Purpose • Provide an overview of National Historic Districts • Request Council endorsement to proceed with the NHD application

National Register of Historic Places Official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture § Administered by National Park Service § Establishes criteria for evaluating historic properties § Properties listed – or eligible for listing - in the National Register possess historic significance and integrity

Significance Criteria Local, State, or National Significance Association with historic events or activities Association with important persons Distinctive design or physical characteristics Administered by National Park Service Potential to provide information about prehistory or history

Significance Criteria Taylor’s Historical Downtown District satisfies all these criteria

Property Categories Districts l Areas possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures or objects united historically or aesthetically l College campuses, central business districts, residential areas, industrial or agricultural complexes, canal and irrigation systems, farms, ranches, estates, plantations, parks

Identification of Historic Properties Identify significant properties through a Cultural Resources Survey

Identification of Historic Properties • Research – what is the history of the community? • Establish historic contexts – Identify important trends and events

Identification of Historic Properties § Survey the selected area § § § Become familiar with the buildings and structures Take photographs Create maps § Conduct in-depth research on particular properties

Preservation Tax Incentives § A federal tax credit is available, worth 20% of the costs to rehabilitate historic buildings. § An application should be submitted before construction begins but can be submitted during the rehabilitation. § The Texas Historical Commission staff reviews the project on behalf of the National Park Service.

Preservation Tax Incentives Make Sen$e More than $120, 000. 00 was invested in rehabilitating historic buildings in Texas in conjunction with the Federal Tax Incentive Program in the last biennium. Since the program’s inception in 1976, the Texas Historical Commission has reviewed more than 950 applications.

Economic Impact Of Historic Preservation • Creates jobs • Revitalizes downtown commercial districts • Provides affordable quality housing • Stimulates heritage tourism • Improves property values • Encourages reinvestment • Rebuilds communities

Benefits of Listing a Property in the National Register The National Register of Historic Places is our nation's official list of properties significant in American history, architecture and archeology. Listing in the National Register denotes that a property is worthy of preservation.

Benefits of Listing a Property in the National Register l Properties successfully nominated and listed in the National Register are: – Vital to the stabilization of property values within historic areas – Important components of local heritage tourism programs – Integral in the development of local heritage education initiatives – Afforded some protection from federal activities

Benefits of Listing a Property in the National Register l Owners of properties listed in the National Register may: – Receive a certificate of listing from the Texas Historical Commission – Purchase an official National Register plaque through the Texas Historical Commission – Be eligible for financial incentives such as grants and tax abatements – Receive technical assistance from Texas Historical Commission staff about maintenance and restoration issues

Owners of Properties Listed in the National Register: l Are NOT required to provide public access to their property l Are NOT obligated to use, maintain, restore or rehabilitate the property following any restrictive guidelines l Are NOT subject to restrictions of any kind (Local ordinances and building codes still apply) This information from the Texas Historical Commission Website http: //www. thc. state. tx. us/markersdesigns/madnrbenefit. html

What Next? • If The Council endorses this project, a Consultant will be hired to complete the NHD application • The monies to fund this Consultant will be provided by the Taylor Heritage and Conservation Society and other partners within the community.