Outlook: Historic Preservation: Preservation efforts will move forward in 2001

The most recent Springfield Citizens Survey reported a strong increase in the importance that people place on historic properties. Citizens of Springfield care about the past and value the community's heritage.

In 2001, we predict that two preservation themes will begin to unify our community in its quest to feature and display our past rather than forget and destroy it.

The first theme is increased understanding of preservation.

We predict the preservation concept will be broadened and better understood by new audiences.

By injecting awareness of local architecture into school curricula, young people will value architectural styles as part of history.

New relationships and partnerships will be forged with city planners, lending institutions, neighborhoods, civic organizations, architects and builders.

This year, preservation thinking will be more creative and imaginative, uniting various groups and agencies.

The addition of a preservation planner/historic preservation officer on city staff is critical to making this integration successful.

This staff person can help identify capital needs, increase public understanding of the types of preservation assistance available and identify properties eligible for various kinds of federal, state or local assistance.

The second theme is an economic one. Local revitalization projects create local jobs, local supplies are purchased and the property tax base is improved.

It is less costly per square foot to renovate than to build new, particularly with the availability of a 25 percent state tax credit on nationally registered historic properties.

Economic incentives for historic properties can help projects succeed, and revitalized buildings can spur new growth in blighted areas.

Projects now under way, such as Central High School, the planned downtown boutique Seville Hotel, the Mosher House on Walnut Street, the storefront renovation projects and loft designs on Commercial Street and in downtown, will be watched and tracked for their economic contributions.

To understand the impact of adaptive reuse, consider the economic impact the Mueller Company created with the Springfield Brewing Company. The project spurred the growth of art galleries, apartments and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Private development of owner-occupied historic housing in Grant Beach, Mid-Town, West Central, Woodland Heights and other urban neighborhoods will continue as neighborhood plans, ordinances and surveys are updated.

Local leaders who show support for neighborhood revitalization recognize that this addresses the smart growth strategies and principles of preserving our inherited environment. The redevelopment of historic neighborhoods, with concentration of families and the services necessary for them, provides infill and helps reduce urban sprawl.

For preservation, 2001 will be more about lending a helping hand with information, identification of properties and districts, and shaping local policy that makes preservation practical and possible.

The city of Springfield has a historic preservation plan, passed by City Council in June 2000. The preservation plan has laid the groundwork.

The implementation of this plan will signal the community's healthy respect and commitment to reaping the economic benefits of historic preservation.

By preserving the past, we are helping to build the future.

(Helen White is president of Preservation Springfield.)