An Intro to Historic

Preservation

Presented by Jo-Anne PeckHistoric Shed/ Preservation

Resource, Inc.

What is Historic Preservation?

Saving the physical components of our past that tell the story of people and events.

Mount VernonAnn Pamela Cunningham (1816-1875)

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Resources don't have to be high end or elaborate to be significant and worthy of our efforts to save.

“Preservation does not mean locking away or preventing the use of heritage

resources; rather, it encourages the sustainable and appropriate use of cultural

and heritage assets.”

What is considered historic?● Buildings & structures 50+ years old

● Retain physical integrity

● Association with Significant:

● Events

● People

● Architecture

● Technology

● Community Development

Why do we care what happens to old buildings & structures?

● Link us to history/ community story telling● Aesthetics/ Beauty● Environmental impacts● Economics

Historic buildings provide a tangible link to history

● Allows us and future generations to connect to the past through everyday interaction

● Citizens take pride in their history

○ Sense of Community

● Learning opportunities

Aesthetics or “Old buildings are Attractive”

● Proportions● Details/ Ornamentation● Materials

Environmental Issues

● Materials

● Labor

● Sprawl

● Climate

● Walkability

Economics

● Tax Base

● Infrastructure

● Jobs

● Heritage Tourism

● Redevelopment

Approaches to dealing with a Historic Building

● Restoration

● Renovation/ Rehabilitation

● Adaptive Use

What to do with historic resources?

● Nothing● Recognize it ● Regulate it

The Danger of Doing Nothing

InappropriateAlterations

Out of Character Additions

Demolition by Neglect

New construction that detracts

from the local character

Recognizing Historic Buildings

National Register of Historic Places

(National Park Service/ Dept. of

Interior)

Recognizing Historic Buildings

Florida Master Site File (State of Florida)

Regulating Historic Buildings

Nearly all historic preservation regulations occur at the local level

Local Preservation OrdinancesCan restrict alterations, use of materials, design of

additions to individual buildings and design of

new construction within a historic district

Implementing a Local Preservation Ordinance

● City/ County Staff

● Historic Preservation Review Board

● City Council/ County Commission

Preservation Design Review

● Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Historic Preservation

● Design Guidelines

What does designation mean to a historic building owner?

Designation of a historic property does not require you to do anything to your property, ever.

Local Preservation Ordinances

● Do not prevent the demolition of

historic resources

● Require community backing in

order to implement

● Must have the support of local

government officials

● Must be implemented with

consistency

Local Preservation Ordinances

● Improve/stabilize property

values

● Professional Staff

● CLG Monies

● Encourage redevelopment

Other Preservation Initiatives

● Main Street Program

● Grants Programs

● Awards Programs

● Revolving Loan Funds

● Preservation of scenic vistas/ landscapes

● Federal Historic Tax Credits

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