What people are saying about historic preservation

 "I was proud to support the passage of Senate Bill 54 last week. Tax credit programs like these are crucial for communities like Dearborn to continue thriving in sustainable ways while preserving our proud historical monuments, homes, and sites." 

"Historic preservation is more than an attempt to maintain old buildings for posterity's sake; it serves as a planning and economic development tool that enables communities to manage how they will grow and change. I can also say from experience that other cities that have not instituted a historic district have seen homes devastated, upkeep wither and new development that doesn’t fit into the character of the neighborhood which diminishes the value.

"When you look back in 10 or even 20 years from now, you will know where strong design ethics and maintenance have saved neighborhoods. I highly encourage the establishment of a Historic District Commission. Dearborn is known for its amazing old homes that we surely do not want to lose. Historic districts will preserve the neighboring downtowns with a direct consumer base, one that cares about those around them, a reason to locate in the downtown as a business and a shining example of good design for all of us emulate."

"Historic District Commissions are charged with evaluating proposed renovations and new homes based on the federal “Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Structures.” Two aspects of that document are important to consider here. The first is that there is a highly codified listing of “urban design characteristics” that are specifically created to  NOT BE ARCHITECTURALLY STYLISTICALLY BASED, and instead offer evaluation of distinct objective (not subjective or aesthetic) issues of proportion, size, wall opening orientation, etc. This allows the evaluation of differing culturally-based designs which might then blend or be “compatible” with the aspects of the neighboring historic structures. The second aspect is that the Secretary’s standards actually promote new construction and renovations to express “contemporary” design rather than a

slavish reproduction of historic details. By utilizing this evaluation method, again culturally-based design changes can be objectively evaluated and approved as supportive of the continuous chronological development of the physical environment in any neighborhood.

"I would highly recommend that Dearborn’s City Council enact legislation following the State of Michigan enabling legislation to create a Dearborn Historic District Commission that could oversee and promote the continued preservation and viability of our many wonderful neighborhoods!"

 "The results of these studies are remarkably consistent: property values in local historic districts appreciate significantly faster than the market as a whole in the vast majority of cases, and they appreciate at rates equivalent to the market in the worst case. Simply put – historic districts enhance property values." 

City of Dearborn Mayor and City Council Members:

Folks need to recognize and embrace the value of history and how it significantly adds to their communities, especially a community such as yours which celebrates such a rich historical heritage. This value supports and impacts everyday life. 

There is a tremendous benefit to be realized in repurposing existing historical structures, features and elements and why these historical places matter. 

The Northville Local Historic District was formed in 1972, received a Certified Local Government designation in 2015, updated the Local Historic District Study Survey of over 400 historic properties in 2018. 

Meanwhile, this community has benefited immensely by repurposing and reusing historic structures and sites. Our Historic District consists of both a business and a residential district. There are numerous ways to work with historical structures, and even more ways to support added attractions to local communities, including serving local economic needs, tax base, and attracting an influx of new families,