Preservation
02. Historic District
I am a believer in the importance of preservation of our buildings and historic homes. Ward 5 is fortunate to have a historic residential area and rich history to share. The stories from our past are the window to look through to learn about the founding families of Gainesville, the architecture and the architects who designed these historic structures, and the families that lived in them. I'm fascinated by the stories and some of the colorful characters who were the first residents of Ward 5. Preservation benefits us and will inform the future if we preserve our past.​​
Historic Designation
The code of ordinances recognizes part of Ward 5 as the Heritage Overlay District (see map below). Our ward is fortunate to have historic homes and buildings, and I see this as a real asset for our community. As part of the city code, there are guidelines to help owners make building and renovation choices that work within a historic district.
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These are not rules or requirements but suggestions for consideration when starting a building or renovation project. I want to promote new construction and renovation with neighborhood compatibility, not control or undue burden on homeowners.
Our mix of historic and new construction is a good thing because it offers diverse housing choices for residents who want to live in a neighborhood close to downtown.
I would encourage homeowners who have houses that qualify for the designation to have them listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This process begins through the Texas Historical Commission. This designation is an honorary one and does not place rules on the homeowner. You can show your designation by installing a plaque on your house with this historic honor.
It is important to have guidelines in place to protect neighborhoods that have significant historic architecture. This is important from an aesthetics standpoint, zoning and building codes, addressing property code violations, and preserving the historic feel and nature of S Gainesville.
Heritage Preservation Officer & Committee
Pursuant to city code, Chapter 15: Planning & Development, Article VII, Section 15-194 there is a provision for the appointment of a Heritage Preservation Officer. Presently this position is vacant.
I would like to see that position filled by someone who resides in the historic district and understands the benefits of protecting our historic areas. That person also needs to have a keen understanding of the unique challenges that sometimes arise in historic neighborhoods. I want to see someone in this role who will be an advocate for preservation in Ward 5, the downtown commercial district, and other areas of the city where appropriate.
Given that the guidelines in the city code are 18 years old I think it would be beneficial for the Heritage Preservation Officer to form a Heritage Preservation Committee to review these guidelines for needed updates, revisions, or modifications that work in compatibility with residents current goals. Residents need to drive these decisions!
Appointing this committee would be a similar approach that the new Charter Review Committee is taking to collaborate with the city council. The historic area of our ward is quite large so I think a citizen committee would serve the community well.
The First Street Initiative is a free, educational program that is facilitated by the Texas Main Street Program and is the first step in applying for the Texas Main Street Program designation. Gainesville has been a Texas Main Street City in the past, and I served on that board. The First Street Initiative would be a great educational opportunity for one who wants to serve on the Heritage Preservation Committee and the springboard to decide if we need to reapply to be part of the Texas Main Street City program again.
Our history and historic buildings are a big part of what makes Gainesville a desirable place to visit and to live. It is my goal to continue to impress upon the city how important this asset is and that we need to formulate and implement measures to protect it.