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Historic Preservation
The ETDD region has a diverse heritage, with a variety of cultural traditions that have shaped our landscape and communities. Underlying the practice of preservation is the notion that these places are worth recognizing, honoring, and protecting as physical reminders of our shared past. Historic properties convey a distinctive sense of place, contributing to an area’s quality of life. Historic preservation is also a useful economic development tool for revitalizing main street business districts and neighborhoods, and through a variety of heritage tourism opportunities.
The Tennessee Historical Commission(THC), through funding from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), funds a preservation planning position within ETDD to provide technical assistance to communities in our region. As such, ETDD is able to provide guidance on preservation practices, assist with the ongoing statewide cultural resource survey, facilitate the nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, provide consideration for significant cultural resources through project reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and to help better leverage historic assets in communities through grant opportunities.
Survey and Planning
Surveys of local districts produce a comprehensive written and photographic record of historic resources fifty years old or older for planning purposes. ETDD's preservation planner is available to provide funding procurement assistance; training in historic resources survey techniques and methodologies; and supervision of survey projects.
National Register of Historic Places
Over 2000 properties in Tennessee are listed on the National Register. The official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation, it is primarily an honorary program. Listing a property on the National Register can make it eligible for tax incentives and grant opportunities, and also provides additional considerations when a Federally-funded project could impact the property. Additionally, information within a nomination can serve as the basis for heritage tourism programming, including exhibits and driving tours.
Preservation Tax Credits
The owner of an income-producing, historic building is eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to 20% of the cost of renovation if he/she restores the building in accordance with the National Park Service’s standards. ETDD promotes awareness of this program and provides information concerning eligibility and the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Section 106 Review
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties and provide the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on federal projects prior to implementation. The process encourages, but does not mandate, preservation. Each year, ETDD prepares approximately 55 Section 106 Reviews.
Certified Local Government Program
Local governments that meet certain criteria, including establishment of a historic zoning commission and passing a historic preservation ordinance, receive the “Certified Local Government” or CLG designation. A local government is then eligible to receive technical assistance from the staff of the Tennessee Historical Commission, and their chances of being selected for Federal Preservation Grant funding improve. ETDD works with historic zoning commissions, promotes training opportunities, and provides information concerning the CLG program.
Grant Writing
ETDD staff prepares several grants each year on behalf of cities, counties, and non-profit organizations for preservation-related activities. Past grants include rehabilitation of historic structures, surveys of historic and cultural resources, and planning grants for historic preservation initiatives.
Other Preservation Programs
ETDD can also assist with other preservation programming, including information on the intensive documentation programs available through the NPS, such as the Historic American Building Survey, Historic American Engineering Record, and Historic American Landscape Survey. For family farms that have remained in operation for at least a century, they are eligible for additional recognition through the Tennessee Century Farms program.
Additionally, the ETDD preservation planner serves as the technical advisor for the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance and on the board of the Tennessee Preservation Trust.
For more information on preservation planning services available through ETDD, please contact Heather Bailey, with questions: hbailey@etdd.org |
