Benefits of Local Historic Districts by Julian Adams
Posted on: May 10, 2021 - 11:11am
An overview of the Benefits of Local Historic Districts by Julian Adams, Director, Bureau of Community Preservation Services at the New York State Historic Preservation Office
- Local districts protect the investments of owners and residents. Buyers know that the aspects that make a particular area historic will be protected over a period of time. Real estate agents in many cities use historic district status as a marketing tool to sell properties.
- Local districts encourage better design. It has been shown through comparative studies that there is a greater sense of relatedness, more innovative use of materials, and greater public appeal within historic districts than in areas without such designations.
- Local districts help the environment. Historic district revitalization can, and should, be part of a comprehensive environmental policy.
- The educational benefits of creating local districts are the same as those derived from any historic preservation effort. Districts help explain the development of a place, the source of inspiration, and technological advances. They are a record of ourselves and our communities.
- A local district can result in a positive economic impact from tourism. A historic district that is well promoted can be a community's most important attraction. The retention of historic areas as a way to attract tourist dollars makes good economic sense.
- The protection of local historic districts can enhance business recruitment potential. Companies continually re-locate to communities that offer their workers a higher quality of life, which is greatly enhanced by successful local preservation programs and stable historic districts.
- Locally designated districts that are overseen by a well informed, trained, and municipally supported preservation commission can provide social and psychological benefits. A sense of empowerment and confidence develops when community decisions are made through a structured participatory process rather than behind closed doors or without public comment.