Name of Proposed Local Historic District

We understand there is a rumor that the new boundary nomination discussed in last night's HPC meeting was to name the historic district South Decatur instead of Oakhurst. First, they repeatedly referred to it as Oakhurst. Second, the reference in the 1987 survey specifically calls the area and recommended historic district Oakhurst. We believe the confusion comes from the fact that the survey is called the South Decatur Survey. The survey includes Winona Park, MAK, and other areas.

What is a local historic district?

Given the proposed expanded boundaries for a local historic district in the Oakhurst community, many may be wondering what is a local historic district. Here is the site for the National Parks Service: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/workingonthepast/. Please feel free to submit questions here or contact Amanda Thompson with the City of Decatur directly. There will be public meetings. The Decatur Preservation Alliance also has information available.

As for the process for the local historic district, the flow chart for the process can be found on the City of Decatur website. http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citygov_resboards_historic.aspx

"What do some 2,300 local historic districts have in common? In each one, a majority of its residents have decided they want to keep the look and feel of the place they call “home” by adopting a local preservation ordinance, then creating a local preservation commission to administer it. Local legislation is one of the best ways to protect the historic character of buildings, streetscapes, neighborhoods, and special landmarks from inappropriate alterations, new construction, and other poorly conceived work, as well as outright demolition."

Apparently we start from the beginning...

The HPC conducted a work session tonight, 9/11/2007. During the session there was a discussion of the boundaries for the local historic district. The Historic Preservation Commission stated that the area outlined in the historic survey conducted by Darlene Roth in 1987 would be considered the new boundaries. The addresses will be posted as soon as they have been compiled.

The nominating committee was taken by surprise that there would be an expansion of the boundaries for consideration. We will re-work the blog to reflect the changes as soon as possible.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Tonight

There is a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission tonight, September 11, 2007 at 6:30pm at City Hall. There are no Certificates of Authority for the commission to consider so they will be discussing the boundaries for the proposed local historic district. The chair of the commission has the option to allow for public input regarding the boundaries.

As background, historic district boundaries must use the guidelines developed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for determining historic district boundaries. A district must be a definable geographic area that can be distinguished from surrounding properties by changes such as density, scale, type, age, style of sites, buildings, structures, and objects or by documented differences in patterns of historic development.

The proposed boundaries include Mead Road to the East and Winter to the West. These streets were part of the original subdivisions for the Town of Oakhurst. Winter also has the physical boundary of the City Limits. Mead was said to have had a train stations called Meads Station which represents another historic boundary. West College is the North boundary and represents a physical boundary of the rail road. East Lake at Third Avenue represents a significant change in housing style. Mead Road runs to the commercial district and a one time was part of the 5-points intersection. Therefore, the boundary of the commercial district was used because of its importance in the anchor of history of the area. Additionally, this makes the district abute the Historic Landmark, Scottish Rite Hospital, which strengthens the historic value of both to the City of Decatur. Small areas of such as Leyden and Hood are included because they are completely surrounded by a concentration of historic resources. Drawing "donut holes" around non-historic resources within a district are not allowed.

Just because the nominators recommendation for boundaries was based on the above does not mean they will be accepted. The Historic Preservation Commission will make the final determination.

There are other older homes and homes of fine quality throughout the neighborhood. Exclusion from the boundaries does not mean your home or street is not worth perservation. However, the nominators, using the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's guidelines, found the proposed district to be a concentrated area of contiguous resources.

Spotlight on Oakhurst Baptist Church

Oakhurst Baptist Church is one of the founders of the Town of Oakhurst. At one time Oakhurst Baptist Church was located on the sprawling campus that now houses the AT&T training facility. Oakhurst was the first church in Oakhurst. While the original building burned in the fire that destroyed much of the original town center. Oakhurst Baptist re-built and continued to serve the community. The church gives much to the community and we are very pleased to have them in our neighborhood. The church and their building are one of the anchors of history in our community.

The first photo from the early 1930s and shows the church as it stands now. The second is an ealier photograph, believed to be prior to 1920 that shows a Vacation Bible School class.

How are the boundaries of a local historic district determined?

When defining local historic district boundaries you must use the guidelines developed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. A district must be a definable geographic area that can be distinguished from surrounding properties by changes such as density, scale, type, age, style of sites, buildings and documented differences in patterns of historic development.

Historic districts are typically a concentrated area of contiguous resources. Historic district boundaries should be based on three factors: historic significance, physical integrity of resources, and/or the location of significant geographic features.

Scenic America

http://www.scenic.org/pdfs/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Beauty%20Benefits.pdf

Visitors and residents alike enjoy shopping at businesses with attractive signage and pleasant landscaping. Design guidelines can inspire and give direction to business owners and homeowners who want to maintain the aesthetic quality of downtowns. The payoff can be substantial: business owners can benefit from increased competitiveness, while the larger community can enjoy a more attractive area in which to live, walk, and shop.

Historic districts are designations conferred by local governments that allow design review for the protection of significant historic resources. Whether in a commercial center, residential neighborhood, or a broader landscape, historic districts recognize the need for a consistent architectural aesthetic to maintain the character of the designated area. The design review required by the local historic district can help to inspire the community and attract visitors back.
Why is it that we do not see the visitors for such events as the BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass return as patrons for our restaurants? This is the type of revitalization that local historic districts have been created to try and encourage.