Article: Are Historic Districts Necessary?

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Are Historic Districts Necessary?

www.planetizen.com
United States | History & Preservation
Posted by: Matt Baumann
20 March, 2006 - 8:00am

The prospect of higher property values have caused many residents to form historic districts, though questions arise as to the actual historic significance of the neighborhoods.

"As the real-estate market begins to cool, a growing number of homeowners are seeking to boost their property values by getting their neighborhoods designated as historic districts.

Local historic districts, which can trigger regulations on everything from window repair to demolitions, are proliferating across the United States. But the desire for historic designation has some communities touting characteristics with questionable preservation value. Homeowners in Denver say their neighborhood deserves historic designation because it is an early example of large front lawns. A Phoenix subdivision is seeking historic status because it says its ranch homes were the first in the city with central air conditioning."

Source: Wall Street Journal via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mar 16, 2006
Full Story (click link): More U.S. homeowners seek historic designation http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06075/671507.stm

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