Nominating the Strip District to the National Register of Historic Places December 4, 2013
Tom Corbett, Governor Andrew Masich, Chairman James Vaughan, Executive Director Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums Bureau of Archives and History Bureau of the State Museum Bureau for Historic Preservation
Bureau for Historic Preservation Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PASHPO) National Historic Preservation Act of 1966--among other things-- authorized State Historic Preservation Offices State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) National Register of Historic Places Certified Local Government program Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit Technical assistance for communities Allegheny County Courthouse National Register of Historic Places National Historic Landmark Federal and state regulatory review
The National Register provides a framework for how many resources may be viewed as historic. Or as cultural resources. But it s important to know that it s not the ONLY type of historic designation.
The federal government maintains several types of historic place designation: National Historic Landmarks National Historic Sites National Monuments National Memorials National Historic Parks National Battlefields National Register of Historic Places- may be significant locally, statewide or nationally
Many states maintain state historic place designation which are not required or enabled by National Register designation
Many organizations have recognition programs, such as PHLF s Historic Landmark program--not required or enabled by National Register designation
Pittsburgh has its own historic preservation ordinance-- not required or enabled by National Register designation. Manchester Historic District--locally designated and National Register District.
National Register of Historic Places The National Register is the nation s list of significant historic properties, properties worthy of preservation.
Significance National Register properties must be significant, not just old May be significant through their architecture, history, association with a person or archeology May be significant at the national, state or local level. Most are listed because of their local significance
To be listed in the National Register a property must possess physical, historic integrity, called the seven aspects of integrity. Location Design Setting Association Materials Workmanship Feeling
Historic changes are sometimes considered significant
Deferred maintenance or deterioration is not synonymous with lack of integrity.
The National Register DOES: Provide important recognition to historic properties; Encourage preservation; Promote community & economic development and tourism; Provide basic eligibility for financial incentives.
The National Register DOES NOT: Restrict a private property owner's ability to alter, manage or dispose of a property Require properties be maintained, repaired or restored Invoke local zoning or local landmark designation
National Register designation does not restrict privately-owned property. National Register designation does not protect privately-owned property. National Register designation does not trigger federal/state project review. National Register designation does not trigger local design/project review. Jobber s Canyon National Register Historic District, Omaha NE All 24 contributing buildings were demolished in 1989.
National Register of Historic Places in a nutshell: Properties at least 50 years old Properties must be significant, and fit into architectural and/or historic criteria Must have a high degree of physical integrity Does not impose restrictions on private property 5 th Avenue School pre-rehab
Process for listing a property on the National Register in Pennsylvania: Step 1 Submit a Historic Resources Survey Form to the Bureau for Historic Preservation Staff reviews all available information. Staff will do one of three things: 1. Ask for more information 2. Determine the property is not a good candidate for the Register 3. Determine the property is a good candidate for the Register If #3, then.
Process for listing a property on the National Register in Pennsylvania: Step 2 If a property is considered a good candidate for the Register by BHP staff, the applicant will be given instructions to complete a National Register of Historic Places nomination form. National Register nominations may be completed by anyone: the property owner, consultants or interested members of the public. Once a completed nomination is received, BHP will schedule the nomination for the next appropriate state National Register Review Board meeting. You Are Here
Process for listing a property on the National Register in Pennsylvania: Step 3 The State Review Board makes a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer the Executive Director of the PHMC If Board and SHPO agree property is eligible for the Register, the nomination is forwarded to the National Park Service If the National Park Service agrees with the determination of Preservation Office staff, the Review Board and the SHPO, the property is listed in the National Register.
Historic Preservation--Why bother? Highland Building East Liberty Historic District Lawrenceville Economic Development Maintain authenticity Restore tax base Create jobs Stimulate private investment Promote smart growth Community Development Reconnect citizens to their past Revive community spirit and encourage local participation Federal and state regulatory responsibilities
Heritage Tourism: The second biggest industry in PA Most Popular Tourism Sites Most Popular Tourism Sites Historic Towns/Districts 92% Battlefields/Forts 69% Zoos/Gardens/Arboreta Art Galleries/Museums House Museums Natural History/Science Museums Festivals 62% 57% 57% 54% 51% Excursion Railroads 45% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Popularity Source: Heritage Tourism in Pennsylvania, June 1999
Property owners-- Enjoy greater price appreciation and subsequent sale prices Receive investment protection May be eligible for financial incentives (grants, loans, etc.) Manchester Historic District--Pittsburgh Historic designation is associated with average property value increases ranging between approximately 5 per cent and 20 per cent of the total property value. Historic Preservation and Residential Property Values: An Analysis of Texas Cities, Leichenko, Coulson and Listokin, Urban Studies, 2001.
Business owners Experience increased customer traffic and subsequent sales Have a greater chance of achieving small business success Market Square South Side property values in the local historic commercial district grew about 385% over 30 years, those in the non-designated comparison area grew just 72%. Source: Michigan Historic Preservation Network Special Report, November, 2006; 2004-05 study of Kalamazoo, Michigan
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhp Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation Activities in Pennsylvania December 2011
Demographic/Economic shifts Retiring baby boomers Millennial Generation AmberWaves September 2009> Features > Article Authentic character Access to recreation Technology Transportation Sustainable development Baby Boom Migration Tilts Toward Rural America Baby boomers, poised to retire, are expected to increase rural and small-town populations, bringing both additional benefits and costs. John Cromartie Peter Nelson, Middlebury College Creative Class
The environment
Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits 20% credit on taxes owed Based on investment cost of rehab--must be substantial. Income-producing buildings only Must be listed in National Register Must meet Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation Reviewed by SHPO and National Park Service PA State rehab tax credit Century Building Penn-Liberty Historic District Former Bell Telephone (Verizon) Building Pittsburgh Renaissance Historic District
Keystone Historic Preservation Grants Construction grants Rehabilitate or restore historic buildings open to the public Open to governments and not-for-profits Project Grants Soldiers and Sailors Memorial National Register nominations Historic building surveys Planning assistance Economic impact studies Archaeology Open to local governments and not-for-profits Pittsburgh s historic preservation plan PHLF Downtown Districts project Planning for the Preservation of Pittsburgh's Cultural and Historic Assets
Community character counts Mexican War Streets Historic districts are a positive influence on property values. Homebuyers are willing to pay for the assurance that the neighborhood surrounding their houses will remain unchanged over time. -- Deborah Ann Ford, in the Journal of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association
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