| What
is Historic Preservation?
Historic Preservation is a link through which the memory of an
enduring community is preserved and passed on to succeeding generations.
It is generally difficult to remember the past without having a
connection to the past. The U.S. Congress reaffirmed the reasons
for enacting historic preservation programs with the following rationale:
- The spirit and direction of the Nation are founded upon and
reflected in its historic heritage.
- The historical and cultural foundations of the Nation should
be preserved as a living part of our community and development
in order to give a sense of orientation to the American people.
- Historic properties significant to the Nation's heritage are
being lost or substantially altered with increasing frequency.
- The preservation of this irreplaceable heritage is in the public
interest. Its vital legacy of cultural , educational, aesthetic,
inspirational, economic and energy benefits will be maintained
and enriched for future generations of Americans.
Bloomington Historic Preservation
Program
The City of Bloomington Historic Preservation Program was created
in 1983 by City Ordinance. The program is administered by the Bloomington
Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission is a volunteer
citizen board whose goal is the protection of the City's architectural
and historical environment. Seven residents or property owners form
the Commission and are appointed by the Mayor.
The Confusing Labels of
Historic Property
| Local |
Bloomington Historic
Zoning: Property is individually designated with
restrictive zoning on a local inventory. In Bloomington this
is called 'S-4' category and requires Historic Preservation
review of exterior changes to the structure.
|
| National |
National Register: a) Property is listed individually
on a national register of historic places; or b) Property
is a structure contributing to the historic significance of
a historic district. |
| |
National Landmark: Nationally significant historic places
are designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they
possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting
the heritage of the United States. |
| |
|
| Historic District: Is an area within
definable geographic boundaries, properties, or buildings which
contribute to the overall historic character of the designated
area. |
** A structure can be more than one of the above, for example a
property can be on the National Register and also have local historic
zoning. On the other hand, it can be on the National Register and
not have local historic zoning.
A homeowner of a historic property can seek S-4 zoning by submitting
the proper form and fee to the City Clerk. The decision is ultimately
made by City Council.
Bloomington structures with S-4 zoning are eligible for grants
which somewhat help to offset the cost of maintaining or restoring
the historic appearance of the structure. Up to 50% of the project
cost to a limit of $2,500.00 can be reimbursed.
Criteria
Properties need at least one of the following criteria to be considered
for historic designation:
- Its character, interest, or value as part of the development,
heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, State of Illinois
or the Nation;
- Its location as a site of a significant local, county, state
or national event;
- Its identification with a person or persons who significantly
contributed to the development of the City, County of McLean,
State of Illinois, or the Nation;
- Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural
style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction,
or use of indigenous materials;
- Its identification as the work of a master builder, designer,
architect, or landscape architect whose work has influenced the
development of the City, County of McLean, State of Illinois,
or the Nation;
- Its embodiment of elements of design, detailing materials, or
craftsmanship that render it architecturally significant;
- Its embodiment of design elements that make it structurally
or architecturally innovative;
- Its unique location or singular physical characteristics that
make it an established or familiar visual feature;
- I. Its character as a particularly fine or unique example of
a utilitarian structure, including, but not limited to farmhouses,
gas stations, or other commercial structures, with a high level
of integrity or architectural significance; and/or
- Its suitability for preservation or restoration.
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