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Did you know how America's historic preservation laws are changing the face of cities?
Since its implementation in 1966, the Historic Preservation Act in the United States has not only changed the face of the city, but also has a profound impact on society's emphasis on cultural assets and historical buildings. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is based on the protection of buildings with historical and artistic value, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list established under this act. According to statistics, of the more than 1.5 million properties in the United States, approximately 95,000 are independently listed on the Register of Historic Places, while the rest are contributing resources to historic areas. When these properties gain recognition, not only do they receive more attention, they can also enjoy various financial incentives.
"Did you know that many places are historical in nature rather than extensions of modern construction?"
Historical background
On October 15, 1966, the Historic Preservation Act passed by Congress not only created the National Register of Historic Places but also established the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), marking a major shift in historic preservation strategies in the United States. Prior to this, historical preservation work in various places often lacked unified policies and guidance. The passage of this act gave the United States, for the first time, a comprehensive historic preservation policy. Over time, this act was revised several times in 1980 and 1992 to make it more complete and adapt to new needs.
Property Nomination Process
Any individual or group can submit a nomination for a property, which is done through a standard registration form and requires submission of information about the property's appearance and its historical significance. Once nominated, the State Historic Preservation Office conducts an initial review of the nomination, which is then submitted to the State Historic Review Board and ultimately to the National Park Service for approval. It is worth noting that if the owner of the property objects, the property cannot be added to the list. This restriction is also a protection of private property rights.
"Each application needs to clearly explain why the property is historically important."
Selection criteria for nominations
To be eligible for registration, properties must meet at least one of the major criteria, including contributing to a major pattern in American history, being associated with important figures in American history, having unique architectural features, and potentially providing information about history or prehistory. Important information etc. However, certain types of properties, such as religious buildings or portable buildings, are generally not considered candidates for registration.
Multiple property nominations
Multiple Property Nominations (MPS) is a new nomination form that allows multiple properties of the same theme to be nominated as a group. The process begins with the submission of a document that serves as a cover for the overall nomination to determine the basis upon which groups of similar properties meet the registration criteria. Multiple property submissions can provide effective combinations for future property registrations and can also help preserve similar cultural assets.
Financial incentives
Even if registration itself does not provide legal protection, the financial incentives it brings can still be quite important to property owners. Many state and local governments offer tax credits and matching grants for registered historic preservation properties to assist property owners with repairs and maintenance. This economic support makes the maintenance of many properties possible and is even considered an important means of adding value.
“Even without strict protection, registration still provides an economic incentive to protect properties.”
Contemporary significance
In the United States today, historic preservation is no longer just a slogan to protect old buildings, but has become an important tool for rebuilding and transforming urban landscapes. Many cities use the listing of historical places to not only add cultural value to the city, but also attract a large number of tourists, further stimulating the local economy. Each city has its own unique historical background and cultural assets. When these cities are renewed or rebuilt, can we properly integrate the memory of the past with contemporary life as the original intention of these bills is?
