Save Historic Buildings

By Josef Robert Long

We need to save our old buildings and main streets,

We need to save our HISTORY!

What makes them History?

• The Architecture

• Who occupied them

• When they were built, and how old they are

• What materials and construction practices used

• The function of the buildings themselves

Facts

Losses in Old Buildings

• The first Census of Housing in 1940, recorded 20.6 million housing units built before 1920.

• 60 years later the count was down to 9.8 million.

Losses in Old Buildings

• Some factors contributing to the loss of older buildings, includes

– Demolition

– Fires

– Floods

– Storms

– General decay

Old Homes in the United States

• The highest concentration of older homes is in the Northeast

– 20% of all homes in the Northeast were built before 1920

20%10%

3%3%

Old Homes

Northeast

Midwest

West

South

Old Homes

• 1 in 4 old home owners have lived there for at least 32 years.

• 1 in 3 of their owners have no plans to market or otherwise occupy them.

• About 1 in 10 old homes are vacant.

Vacant Units

• Old buildings are more likely than newer ones to be vacant.

• Old buildings tend to remain vacant longer than new buildings.

• Old buildings are more likely to be empty for two years or more.

Hotel Grande Lake Wales Florida

Main Streets

• In the past, city Main Streets were bustling centers of trade and activity.

• Today, most are vacant, and have deteriorating buildings.

Revitalizing Downtowns

• Throughout Florida there is a growing interest in improving the appearance and economic stability of historic downtown business districts– Such as in Downtown Fort

Myers

• But in many small communities, the main street is in a serious state of decline.

Downtown Fort Myers Florida

Historic Designations

How we can Save our Historic Buildings -

• We can apply for Historic Designations :

– Any individual or group may apply to an appropriate government agency to have a building designated as an historic structure.

Historic Designations

Local Designation• Offers the strongest protection

for historic Buildings.

• They require that the City government review and approve alterations or demolition to the property.

• Many cities do not have historic preservation ordinances; or the ordinances only apply to the exterior of the building.

Historic Designations

National Register of Historic Places

• Is the Nations official list of historic resources , such buildings and other structures worthy of preservation.

• It allows owners of historic buildings to take advantage of the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit.

• Which is an important financial incentive for rehabilitating historic buildings. Kehoe House Savannah, GA

Historic Designations

Historic /Cultural Monument

• It buys time in order to create opportunities for preservation solutions to emerge.

• It may help delay demolition for up to 180 days, plus another possible 180-day extension.

• But, it does not guarantee a building cannot be demolished.

How to save a threatened property and preserve our

history!

Public Action

• Participate at public rallies

• Testify at hearings

• Ask organizations to write letters

• Distribute petitions

• Talk to press to get the word out

Create Alliances

• Get support from local and regional preservation and smart – growth organizations, civic groups, and politicians.

• Partner with an individual or organization that has the resources and desire to acquire, rehabilitate, use all or part of the threatened historic property.

An Example of an Organization to Join to Help Save History

Historic Preservation Organization

• Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is Florida's only statewide preservation organization

• It is a non-profit, formed in 1978 as the network of committed preservationists.

• The mission – promote the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and historic property stewardship.

Historic Preservation Organization

• The Educational programs of The Florida Trust include:– The Florida

Preservationist, a quarterly newsletter

– Professional Development Workshop Series

– Annual Statewide conference in May

– Insiders Tour to historic Florida cities

– Historic Preservation Day in Tallahassee

Why saving historic buildings benefits all of us!

Reasons to Actively Encourage Preservation

• Builds a positive image for community.

• Supports property value.

• Creates job opportunities.

• Saves tax dollars.

• Preserves the community's historic resources.

Downtown Ft Myers Florida

Reasons to Actively Encourage Preservation

Financial Attractions

• Lower median home prices allows greater opportunities for low income households to become homeowners.

• Older properties are often less expensive on a day to day basis.

Kehoe House Savannah, GA

Reasons to Actively Encourage Preservation

Tax Credits for Preservation

• Bill raises the historic preservation and cultural and entertainment district tax credits to $50 million each year.

• On the state level citizens can receive a tax credit of 25% of the cost to rebuild or renovate a historic building.

• Non-profits should be able to benefit from a tax credit by selling it.

References

• Bergman, M. (2004, February 24). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 22, 2009, from Fixer-Upper Opportunities:http://www.census.gov

• Cotton, J. R. Old House Journal. Retrieved April 24, 2009, from When Historic Properties are Threatened:http://www.oldhousejournal.com

• Florida Trust For Historic Preservation. Retrieved April 25, 2009, from About the Trust: http://www.flordiatrust.org

• Jefferson, J. Preservation - Division of Historical Resources. Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Florida Main Street:http://www.flheritage.com

• Los Angeles Conservancy. Retrieved April 24, 2009, from Preservation Resources: http://www.laconservancy.org