Benefits of Local Historic Districts by Julian Adams

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.