ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development Seeking Comments and Input Regarding the City's Application to the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE to List Portions of the WAREHOUSE DISTRICT on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES (District 1).
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BACKGROUND: In late December, City staff began a process to nominate the Warehouse District for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Such a designation allows certain properties within the districts, identified as "contributing structures," to qualify for certain tax credit programs. If property owners gain approval for renovation from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), they can receive a 20% federal tax credit and a 25% state historic tax credit. This is a powerful incentive that can help drive investment in the Warehouse District.
To assist with the process, the City engaged Thomason and Associates, a professional architecture firm that specializes in historic register nominations. In March, the City, through the consultant, submitted the registration form to IHPA and the National Park Service. On April 28, 2014, IHPA mailed a letter to Mayor Ardis that indicated that the nomination met the National Register standards and that it would be presented to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council on June 27, 2014. The letter is attached. Further, the letter solicits comment and public remarks by the City. Staff is seeking such input from the City Council in advance of the May 27, 2014 deadline.
Also attached is the nomination form for the District.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If the City's nomination is accepted and the submitted boundaries of Warehouse District is placed on the National Register of Historic Places, two significant tax credits will be made available to qualified properties with approved plans.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: A public meeting was held with property owners within the area on February 12, 2014. ...
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