EARLY PRESERVATIONISTS

A few visionaries could see past the neglect and crumble of South Main in the 60’s; others came because they loved the patina of age. For some, it became a love affair with the old architecture and the history of the place. The early preservationists struggled to work a day job and restore their buildings nights and weekends as they adapted the historic architecture for new uses. Their efforts were supported by new legislation that protected the original architecture and character of the district. Restoration work on North Main began in earnest in the 80’s and today, many beautifully restored buildings on North and South Main are the pride of the community.

Extensive protections exist in the Historic District zoning designation, the listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the establishment of a Landmarks Board, the adoption of the Architectural Design Guidelines for the South Main Street Historic District.

PRESERVATION TODAY

The work of preservation continues today. Developers who would eschew the hard-won Historic District protections covet infill opportunities. Property owners more recent to the process, sometimes lack the understanding of the larger context. City officials sometimes set aside Historic District protections for commercial interests.

Recent issues have included a proposed high rise condo development in the South Main Historic District and the overturning of a Landmarks Board decision involving restaurant venting equipment on the roof of a historic building.

Although our historic districts on North and South Main are relatively mature, vigilance is required to preserve and protect these fragile historic assets.

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