Historic Preservation Notes

Why Historic Preservation Matters

  • Character and community identity are crucial.
  • Preserves connection to the past and community roots.
  • Enhances property value (monetary, emotional, curb appeal).
  • Boosts neighborhood attraction and retention.
  • Fosters a sense of community and social cohesion.
  • Historic districts often have more small businesses, are walkable/bikeable, and are denser.
  • Community-driven efforts focusing on local needs.
  • Creates a legacy for future generations.

Planning with Preservation

  • Purpose: Partnerships between government (municipal, county, state, national) and private entities (societies, commissions, organizations, non-profits, property owners).
  • Adoption of plans and codes (building & land development).

Key Partners

  • Historic Preservation Commission
  • Main Street programs
  • County Historical Societies
  • State Historical Societies
  • State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO – NPS)
  • Property Owners

Benefits of Historic Preservation

  • Protects investments of historic property owners.
  • Properties appreciate faster than the local market.
  • Encourages better quality design.
  • Benefits the environment and is energy-efficient.
  • Serves as a vehicle for education.
  • Impacts the local economy positively through tourism.
  • Enhances business recruitment.
  • Provides social and psychological benefits, giving voice to communities.

Overcoming Obstacles and Implementation

  • Arguments against preservation include high costs, difficulty finding contractors, and time constraints.
  • Solutions: Grants, contacts for contractors (Wyoming Construction Coalition), SHPO, Alliance for Historic Wyoming, NAPC, National Historic Trust.
  • Prioritize and be realistic with adaptive reuse.
  • Implementation through education (Historic Preservation Month, tours, social media, school field trips) and enforcement (review panel, diverse partnerships).