Planning of particular projects

Historic preservation

Fiscal planning

Why is Historic Preservation Important?

Historic preservation is the practice of protecting and preserving sites, structures or

districts which reflect elements of local or national cultural, social, economic,
political, archaeological or architectural history. Preservation has many diverse
purposes and rewards, including the strengthening of local economies, stabilization
of property values, the fostering of civic beauty and community pride, and the
appreciation of local and national history. Historic preservation as a public purpose
that advances the education and welfare of citizens, while providing economic and
aesthetic benefits as well.

Historic resources are defined as districts, sites, structures, objects or buildings that
are greater than seventy-five years in age, and are significant in local, state or
national history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture. History
encompasses all cultures, economic classes, and social, political and private activities
that form the background to the present.

What is a historic site or structure?

Historic resources fall into five categories or types: buildings, sites, structures,
objects, or districts. A building is a construction created to shelter human activity,
while structures are functional constructions usually created for purposes other than
creating human shelter. A site is the location of a significant event, occupation or
activity, while an object is primarily an artistic creation such as a sculpture,
monument or statuary. A district is a collection of any or all of the above which is
united historically or aesthetically.
What are the benefits of historic preservation?

The benefits of historic preservation come in many forms. The prime benifit of
historical restoration is always education. It also includes both public and private
benefits. Historic preservation safeguards a community's heritage, making it
available to future generations for civic enjoyment and educational activities.
Preservation stabilizes property values and strengthens local economies. In addition,
the conservation and maintenance of historic resources and scenic areas fosters civic
beauty and bolsters community pride. Finally, historic preservation has been
successfully employed to improve business opportunities in many locales.

In addition to these public benefits, there are also advantages that accrue to
individual property owners when historic resources are preserved. In addition to
stabilizing property values, historic designation offers financial incentives to owners
who rehabilitate their historic property. Some states offers an income tax credit of
25 percent of the costs of approved restoration work on a designated historic
property or a propertylocated within a designated historic district. The Federal
government offers the same incentive, at a rate of 20 percent, but the credit only
applies to income-producing residential, commercial, and industrial properties. (For
more information call Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, 202-
343-9573)

Finally, there are some public and private grant and loan funds targeted to
designated historic properties for their stabilization and restoration. Because of the
changes in the federal laws in recent years the bulk of the federal and corporate-
foundation money for historical restoration is only aside for structures that are on
historical registers and are operated with non-profit 501 (c) foundations.

 Theodore R. Hazen - Historic preservation is the practice of protecting and preserving sites,
structures or districts which reflect elements of local or national cultural, social, economic,
political, archaeological or architectural history. Preservation has many diverse purposes and
rewards, including the strengthening of local economies, stabilization of property values, the
fostering of civic beauty and community pride, and the appreciation of local and national
history. Historic preservation has a public purpose that advances the education and welfare of
citizens, while providing economic and aesthetic benefits as well.
 Wikipedia - Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect
buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance.