WHY HISTORIC DISTRICTS?
As noted in this column last week, Florence has ten (10) Historic Districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of which is commercial and nine are residential. What does that mean? Why does Florence, or any city, pursue the establishment of Historic Districts? There are many reasons, but here are just a few of the most obvious. Historic Districts:
1. Stabilize properties, both physically and financially;
2. Serve as an appealing, effective tourist draw;
3. Enhance the economics and aesthetics of all properties within a District;
4. Keep properties, both commercial and residential, active on tax rolls; and
5. Enhance the overall attractiveness of the city for both residents and visitors.
So, the evidence is overwhelmingly positive. While Historic Districts visually connect the past with the present in the City of Florence, they contribute significantly to that important, elusive concept known as "quality of life."
--Billy Warren, City Historian
Original source can be found here.
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