Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Selection of 14 Houses for the Historic Home Recognition Program Calendar for 2014/2015
Summary
MEETING DATE: Thursday, November 7, 2013
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Planning
CONTACT: Guy R. Giersch, Historic Preservation Officer
Jennifer Arnold, Planning Manager
ITEM SUMMARY:
Beginning in 2008, the City of McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) established the Preserve Historic McKinney - Home Recognition Program to recognize property owners who have revitalized our historic residential community by making significant exterior improvements to their individual properties.
The Preserve Historic McKinney - Home Recognition Program complements the work of the City's Historic Preservation Officer and Code Enforcement Officers. This program is not a grant or funding program. It recognizes the efforts of individual property owners and seeks to encourage future individual reinvestment in the historic residential community. The City already administers two economic incentive programs to encourage the appropriate preservation, restoration, and revitalization of historic homes in the community.
Staff is requesting that the Historic Preservation Advisory Board select 14 houses for the 2014/2015 calendar. Nominations should be evaluated primarily by assessing the property's perceived impact on the surrounding area and how closely the property embraces the Mission Statement of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, which is:
"To maintain McKinney's diverse architectural legacy, enrich the cultural identity of the community, and strengthen economic value through preservation and education for our present and future generations."
Nominated properties should typically incorporate the following elements:
· Building improvements
· Landscaping enhancements
· A consistently high level of general maintenance
The following questions should assist in evaluating potential nominees:
· Does the house enhance the district by preserving the historical elements such as windows, doors, chimneys, porches, and siding?
· Does the house foster civic pride? Is the house generally well maintained?
· As an example, are the windows restored and is the paint well maintained?
· Have the improvements had a positive impact on the surrounding area?
· Have the improvements contributed to the stability or enhancement of the surrounding area?
· Are the new materials blended well with the historic materials?
· If the building is historic, has the building been restored/rehabilitated to maintain the original appearance?
· Does the property promote economic prosperity as well as enhance the City of McKinney's attractiveness to visitors to the community?
· Does the property have a harmonious mix of trees, shrubs, and ground cover?
· Does the landscaping compliment/enhance the building (i.e. massing, color, texture, and balance)?