Case Study on Athens Georgia

Athens Georgia Study
Case study on Athens, Georgia regarding the impact of historic preservation on local economies in Georgia – http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/~planningdept/hpecon.html
“Athens' history of preservation efforts made it an ideal location to study the economic impact of National Register and local designation on the community. The National Trust model provides for the analysis of real estate, construction, and commercial activity to quantify preservation's economic contributions. Through analysis of such data, collected in Athens, the study brought these benefits to light. In the sampled study areas, property assessment values show that designated districts, especially locally designated, have increased in value faster than their non-designated comparison areas. Downtown Athens has shown especially strong results. Both the Main Street Program and national designation have contributed greatly to this success. Construction data shows comparatively high levels of financial investment in designated areas. Additionally, the rehabilitation of these properties have contributed more temporary jobs, permit revenue and tax dollars to the community than have non-designated neighborhoods. Once again, the downtown has outperformed all other study areas. Numbers for tourism, in general indicate growth in Athens, and as a host city for the Olympics, the 1996 numbers are sure to increase. Thus, data gathered in accordance with the Trust methodology shows the significant fiscal impact of preservation on Georgia communities. Historic preservation is good business.”