This is sort of a continuation of an earlier article encouraging Bouldinites
to participate in creating local historic districts in the ‘hood. The idea of local
historic districts is to preserve the historic character of specific areas –a
single block face, an entire block, several blocks, or an entire neighborhood--by
surveying contributing homes 50 years old or older and listing the features and
qualities that make them representative of their time and meritorious of
preservation.
Quantifying
At least 51% of the principal buildings within
a district must contribute to its historic character, and at least 60% of the
district’s property owners must consent to the district’s establishment before
City Council can adopt it.
Qualifying
Historic district nominations contain a detailed history of the
district, an inventory, photographs and histories of every building in the
district, and an evaluation of which buildings contribute to the historic
character of the district.
Defining
Future from Past
A district preservation plan contains design standards
defined by residents and applied by the Historic Landmark Commission in
reviewing new construction as well as additions to existing buildings. So while
not limiting addition or improvement area, the review ensures that defining
features and qualities are respecting and reflected in those modifications to
existing homes as well as in new homes.
Detailed
information