12 Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation
Condensed version of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Condensed version of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Historic preservation today does not mean you are unable to repair, refurbish or change your home, commercial building or investment property. In fact, federal tax credits are available for many types of projects. Think of it this way, historic preservation relates to preserving cultural and architectural heritage that contributes meaning and character to the community.
Thoughtful preservation means that you assess the condition of your project by asking these questions:
The Lewiston Historic Preservation Commission (LHPC) is a resource for your project. If you have questions about materials or building styles, the LHPC is able to help you find answers. The LHPC will provide support and guidance on preservation and maintenance of historically significant homes, buildings, neighborhoods or sites. They will help you by providing alternatives to demolition or removal of irreplaceable heritage.
Working with the LHPC is easy. The Commission meets once a month and everyone is welcome. If your project is within the historic district, submission for a Certificate of Appropriateness is simply part of your building permit process. You can work with staff in Community Development at the City of Lewiston to help you understand what is required.
According to Vikky Ross, Owner of Morgan’s Alley
Downtown historic preservation is a reflection of community pride. Rehabilitating and utilizing empty commercial buildings provide spaces for independently owned businesses, unique shopping experiences, valuable tax base and a place for people to explore days gone by.
One of the strongest qualities of local historic district designation is that it can be tailored to the specific needs and distinct identity of the community and helps to protect and preserve local resources, even while the community is changing.
Development that enhances a historic district is important to the city’s evolution since it ties past, present and future together. Change further indicates a healthy and lively community and reflects the united pride and investment the residents have in their neighborhood.
There are numerous other advantages to establishing a local historic district:
The Lewiston Historic Preservation Commission was created by City Council on September 22, 1975 to administer any historic district, site or area so designated by Council.
Additional duties of the LHPC are listed in Idaho Code:
• To preserve, promote, and develop the historical resources
• Issue Certificate of Appropriateness as applicable within the historic district
• Conduct a survey of local historic properties
• Preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic properties under the ownership or control of the commission
• Lease, sell and otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties subject to rights of public access and other covenants and in a manner that will preserve the property
• Cooperate with the federal, state and local governments in the pursuit of the objectives of historic preservation
• Participate in the conduct of land use, urban renewal and other planning processes
• Recommend ordinances and otherwise provide information for the purposes of historic preservation
• Promote and conduct an educational and interpretive program on historic properties
(Title 67 Chapter 46)
The LHPC presents the annual Orchid Awards, a recognition program designed to celebrate those individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to historic preservation, and in turn to bring awareness to those projects that have shown great examples of restoration and preservation that keep the city’s cultural heritage alive.
The LHPC created the Idaho Territory Sesquicentennial Special License Plate and hosted the up-front costs for the state. Proceeds from the plate benefit all county historical societies in Idaho including Nez Perce County Historical Society and the LHPC.