HRAB 06-21-94 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
703 / 665-5651
Fax 703 / 678-0682
MEMORANDUM
To: Historic Resources Advisory Board Members
From: Lanny Bise, Planner I
Subject: Meeting Date and Agenda
Date: June 13, 1994
There will be a meeting of the Historic Resources Advisory Board on Tuesday, June 21st, at
7:30 PM in the Conference Room of the Old County Courthouse.
Please let me know if you are unable to attend.
AGENDA
1. Discussion of HRAB comments on the Star Fort Master Development Plan and
Rezoning.
2. Viewing of finished Historic Plaque.
3. Review of Historic Property Designation Application form and discussion of fee to be
charged for the plaque program.
4. Discussion of the Virginia Statewide Preservation Plan public meeting held at the
Handley Library.
5. Other, as necessary.
9 North Loudoun StrLct P.O. Box 601
Winchester, VA 22601 Winchester, VA 226(U
Enclosures
The following items related to the agenda for the meeting are enclosed. Please review these in
preparation for our meeting:
1. Notes on HRAB comments for the Star Fort Rezoning and Master
Development Plan.
2. Notes on Historic Plaque Design
3. Notes on Historic Property Designation Application.
4. Notes from the recent Virginia Statewide Preservation Plan public meeting held
at the Handley Library.
5. Letter to Chuck Maddox, of G.W. Clifford Associates, regarding the Star Fort
Rezoning and Master Development Plan.
6. Frederick County Historic Property Designation Application form.
7. A copy of the Draft Comprehensive Preservation Plan for Virginia's Historic
Resources for your review.
Notes on HRAB comment for the Star Fort Rezoning= and Master Develo ment Plan
Staff drafted a letter to Chuck Maddox, of G.W. Clifford Associates, regarding the HRAB
recommendations for the proposed Star Fort Rezoning and Master Development Plan. The letter
stated that in general, the HRAB is in concurrence with the list of issues and recommendations
forwarded to the HRAB by the Battlefield Task Force, with the main issue being the potential
visual impacts of the proposed development along with preservation and enhancement of the
Fort site.
The letter expressed the HRAB's opinion that more detailed information needs to be provided in
written and/or graphic form to show how adequate screening and viewshed enhancement and
protection will be provided. It was also recommended that details concerning financial support
for the project be provided.
If the HRAB has nothing further to add to the comments the staff forwarded to Chuck Maddox,
then that letter will be considered the "official" HRAB comment for the Star Fort Rezoning and
Master Development Plan, and will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and Board of
Supervisors for their review when considering this development proposal. If the HRAB feel that
additional comments are necessary, then the staff can incorporate the additional comments with
those contained in the letter and will forward those.
Notes on Plaque Design
The HRAB finalized the plaque design at its last meeting. starrwill have a finished version of
the plaque for your review at this meeting.
Notes on Historic Pro erty Desio-mation.Al2plication
I have enclosed at the end of your agenda a copy of the Frcdcrick County Historic Property
Designation llpplicadon form. The UIRAB may have reviewed this form in the past. however,
since we are about to officially implement the Plaque Program, I thought it would be a hood idea
to take one final look at the application to see il-we are gctting the information we need/want,
On the same subject, I'm not sure the HRAB ever settled on a fee for the Plaque Program. Do
we want to charge just enough to cover the cost of the plaque itself, do we want to charge an
administrative fee, or do we not want to charge a fee at all? Therefore, I believe it would be a
good idea to revisit this topic and come to a final conclusion.
Notes crori the Virginia Statewide Preservation Plan Public Hearing at the Handle
Library
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources held a public meeting on June 13, 1994 to
present a draft of their comprehensive preservation plan for Virginia's historic resources. The
plan was drafted from recommendations received from citizens who participated in one of eight
regional workshops last fall, as well as recommendation drafted by the Preservation Roundtable.
Before drafting a final draft of the plan, the Department is holding public meetings to hear
responses from citizens regionwide.
Basically, the presentation walked through the six major goals that are recommended in the plan.
The plan avoids specific strategies so as not to exclude groups from participating in historic
preservation and to encourage team efforts from various sources. Please take time to read the
enclosed plan. If you have any comments or suggestions to add to the plan, please send
comments in writing by August 1, 1994, to:
H. Alexander Wise, Director
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
221 Governor's Street
Richmond, VA 23219
:Lr
r
May 25, 1994
G.W. Clifford and Associates
Attn: Charles E. Maddox, Jr.
200 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Dear Chuck:
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Dcparrmcm of Planning and Dcvciopment
703 / 665-5651
Fax 703 / 678-0682
I am writing to follow up on the presentation made to members of the County's Historic
Resources Advisory Board during their meeting of May 17, 1994, regarding the proposed B-2
rezoning and subsequent residential and commercial development around Star Fon. I have
attached a copy of a memorandum from Robert Watkins to the HRAB, outlining the Planning
Staff recommendations regarding the proposed development. For the most part, the Board was
in concurrence with the list of issues and recommendations contained in the memo.
As was anticipated, the main issues appear to be related to the potential visual impacts of the
proposed development along with preservation and enhancement of the Fort site. The
presentation given by you and Mr. Foote went a long way toward addressing the concerns
raised. As you know, there are however, still a number of details which need to be clarified
regarding a number of these items.
Information needs to be provided in written and/or graphic form which details how adequate
screening will be achieved between the Fort property and the proposed development, depicting
appropriate buffering along the entrance road, and explaining how the vista from the Fort toward
Winchester and Milroy's Fort will be restored and protected. It has been suggested that some
form of viewshed analysis might be performed in order to provide more tangible information
regarding these issues.
Details concerning the precise manner in which financial support for possible future restoration
and maintenance of the Fon property should be provided along with information on the timing
and anticipated amount (including the formula to be used in determining the amount) of this
support. Also, some form of assurance that the ;roup or organization responsible for the Fort
will in tact undertake the proposed restoration/maintenance activities in perpetuity should be
provided.
t) North I OLI(IM111 -SIrCC(
WinChC\[Cr. V-\ Winch ,i r \ ,,I11
Page 2
C. Maddox Ur.
May 24, 1994
An acceptable mechanism for overseeing the exterior architectural design as well as the site
layout for the commercial area proposed needs to be agreed upon. Any guarantees that can be
made at this time with regard to the layout of the commercial property (both that which is
currently zoned and the land subject to the rezoning) would be beneficial in terms of eliminating
speculation about the worst case scenario.
Public access to the Fort and the proposed walling trail around the perimeter of the residential
development has been discussed. Some form of assurance of public access needs to be provided.
Also, information on what limitations, if any, will be placed on this access. This raises the
question of security and fencing. The idea of a board or split rail fence has been discussed.
This should be addressed in writing, perhaps on the Master Development Plan.
As I indicated above, I believe you and/or Mr. Foote have responded vetaily to all of these
issues. Ultimately, we will need a more formai response to these items.
Please let me know if you have questions concerning any of these items.
Sincerely;
Kris C. Tierney, AICP
Deputy Planning Director
cc: Mr John Foote
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Dcparuncnt of Planning and Development
MEMORANDUM
Historic Resources Advisory Board
Robert W. Watkins, Planning Director
Star Fort Preliminary Master Development Plan
May 10, 1994
7013 / 666-5651
Fax 703 / 678-0682
Gilbert W. Clifford and Associates, Inc. is in the process of completing a Preliminary Master
Development Plan for the development of the land around Star Fort. They are proposing 163
single family dwellings behind the site and commercial development along Route 522 in front
of the site.
The site in question has been zoned for intensive residential development and general
commercial development for years. It needs to be understood, that the right to develop this land
has been ;ranted legislatively. The question now is how best to develop the site. Changing the
residential zoning in front of the site to commercial zoning is proposed. This will require a
rezoning. This rezoning would result in all of the land to the south of the fort being zoned for
business and all of the land to the west and north of the fort being zoned for residential uses.
As a part of this process, the applicant is being required to obtain a comment from the Historic
Resources Advisory Board. The HRAB will review the proposal to determine what sort of
design will best protect the historic values of the site. The Star Fon site has been identified as
critical by the Task Force. The HRAB will welcome your advice concerning how best to
promote the protection and use of the fort.
The Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Task Force has reviewed the proposal. The staff
has provided a preliminary review which includes ideas from the Task Force and would suggest
that the development proposal address the following concerns:
1. Buffers and Views: The staff is particularly concerned about the quality of the experience
that would be had by a future visitor to the Star Fort site. In order to provide the most valuable
experience, nearby new development needs to be invisible from the for. It is the opinion of the
staff that such invisibility can be obtained through the maintenance of existing vegetation and
the provision of additional landscaping around the Star Fort site. At the same time, it would be
valuable to improve the view of certain vistas. Vegetation might be removed from certain areas
to improve views. Vegetative screening should be used to avoid views of the new development
9 Nrrnh l .0MIOL n SIrCCt (' O� Roy o0l
Wlnchc�,tcr, VA 22001
Page 2
Historic Resources Advisory Board
Re: Star Fort PMDP
May 10, 1994
to the north and south. However, views of Winchester to the east and other areas to the west
and south might be improved. It might be possible to eventually have a view of Milrovs Fort
and other fortification areas. Essentially, long views without new development in the foreground
would be desirable. A more detailed analysis and evaluation of viewsheds is needed.
8=mmendation: The applicant should evaluate viewsheds. A detailed plan should be provided
describing how screening would be used to avoid views of new development. Also, the applicant
should describe how the proposed development will promote scenic vistas.
2. Public Access: To support a battlefield tour system the Star Fort site will need to be
accessible to organized tours and other visitors. Good access will be necessary through the
proposed development. Access will be needed for buses, bikes and pedestrians. Parking areas
should be provided that are not cieariy visible from the fort.
In addition, care should be taken to provide an entrance from the site that is attractive and free
of distractions. Buffering, open space and landscaping can be used around the entrance from
Route 522 and along the road to the fort to provide an attractive setting.
Recommendation: The applicant should clearly specify how Star Fort will be accessed by
visitors. Buffering and open space should be used at the entrance from Route 522 and along the
road to the fort to make the entrance attractive to visitors.
3. Quality of Commercial Development: The Star Fort site will be accessed through the
proposed new commercial development. Because of this, the commercial development will
necessarily be part of the Star Fort experience. It should be designed to be compatible with the
historic values of our area. Generic commercial designs will most likely not be acceptable.
Great care will be needed in site layout and building design.
The Frederick County Zoning Ordinance has a historic overlay district that would provide for
detailed site and architectural review of new development by the HRAB.
Recommendarion: 77re applicant should agree to the establishment of an historical overlay
district for the commercial development In front of Star Fort.
4. Maintenance of Star Fort: It will be in the longi term interest of the applicant to insure that
Page 3
Historic Resources Advisory Board
Re: Star Fort PNMP
May 10, 1994
the fort site is properly renovated and maintained. It might be logical to combine improvements
to the fort with the development process. Involvement of the development in the maintenance
of the site might also be appropriate. A plan for site renovation needs to be developed based
on interpretation concepts. A viable working group or partnership of groups is needed to insure
that the work is properly carried our. These groups could be led by the current owners of Star
Fort.
Recommendation: The applicant should consider the involvement of the development in the
renovation and maintenance of Star Fort. The renovation should be based on a careful
inrerpreradon plan. Appropriate organizational arrangemenrs should be made to insure
renowwon and maintenance.
It is the opinion of the staff that if this development is done properly, it will not be detrimental
to the use of the Star Fort site as part of a battlefield park system. Great care will be needed
throughout the design and review process.
RWWlrsa
HRAB USE ONLY
Decision
Date
Signature
FREDERICK COUNTY HISTORIC PROPERTY
DESIGNATION APPLICATION
Include with the application form a sketch of the property showing the location/re fat ionship of
the structure(s), photographs of each side of the structure(s), and any relevant detail including
interior features.
Application Fee:
• Date of Application:
• Name of Applicant:
* Address:
• Telephone:
Property Information
• Name of Property (if applicable):
• Tax ID Number:
• Date Structure(s) were built:
• Original Owner:
• Subsequent Important Information:
• Date of Purchase: Deed Book and Page Number:
• Current Use of Property:
• List and briefly Describe All Structures on the Property ( Attach additional paper if necessary):
Historic Plaqucs awarded by the Frederick County historic Resources Advisory Board
acknowledge the architectural and historic integrity of the structure(s). Plaques remain the
property of the County and will remain in the possession of the property owner as long as the
structure(s) retain 75% of their historic fabric and configuration. I submit this application in
good faith and understand that by signing this application that I have given the HRAB
permission to visit my property while they are evaluating the structure(s) for the
approval/disapproval of application for designation as Historically Significant.
Signature of Lipp Iicant/owncr
VIRGINIA'S HERITAGE
THE NATION'S TREASURE:
THE COMMONWEALTH'S TRUST
A COMPREHENSIVE PRESERVATION PLAN
FOR VIRGINIA'S HISTORIC RESOURCES
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
221 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia
1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS DRAR
ExecutiveSummary .................................................................................. 1
What is Historic Preservation? ... . ........................................................... ...2
Virginia's Historic Resources .......................... .. _ ............5
Protecting and Managing Historic Resources ................................................
Critical Issues and Opportunities ........................................ ................11
Strategic Goals and Objectives ...................................... ....13
..........................
LookingAhead..................................................................... .. ...............15
EXECUTIVE summARy DRAFT
Mir plant is about how Virginians can wrortt togedw to rnaiWge historic rimouprm mad nazdnxi= the
bewfift of hbwricPeron. h it a pima for all Vaginians who own, use or ewe aboua the Cwna °s
rmh he itoge mid spaded plants. While the plan will guide the Department of Historic Resources over the neat fi
years, the usefulness of the plan does not stop with one small state agency. The infe
ormation, assumptions, goalsve
and objectives in this plan are just as relevant and just as useful for other state, local and federal agencies, museum
educational institutions, historical societies, statewide preservation and archaeological groups and citizens.
In developing the plan, the Department of Historic Resources followed two lines of inquiry:
What is k wwR abow Virginia's historic resowrrs? Whar nzma w do we have and where am they? fflue
do we MU mead to learn abort the resources? What irI%kSmc es will affect historic and
the
presarNao = coowumir}► us dwf mare? To answer these questions, the Department examined its own records
on historic properties, and evaluated other public information about current trends and influences on
historic resources.
■ What doer the public think abow prraery Wn m Virginia? What integers, ins, md nerds do
Virginians have wish regard to dreur historic rrsororxa? What issues are wgmtarr to tau preservation
canwaaiity and to others who are affected by historic resm rcrrs and by presavown? To answer these
questions, the Department sponsored a roundtable discussion among a variety of interest groups, conducted
eight regional workshops, and distributed a questionnaire to over 2,000 citizens and groups.
This inquiry crystallized in six long-range, statewide Strategic Goals for Historic Preservation in Virginia
■ STRENGTHEN PRIVATE STEWARDSHIP OF HISTORIC RESOURCES
■ STRENGTHEN GRASS ROOTS PRESERVATION EFFORTS
• INTEGRATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOM57vt
EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
• BROADEN MINORITY PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION
IN VIRGINIA
■ STRENGTHEN STEWARDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN HISTORIC
PRESERVATION BY PUBLIC AGENCIES AT ALL LEVELS
■ HEIGHTEN PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE VALUES AND BENEFITS OF HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
The Goals are amplified by Objectives to guide the preservation community in devising action plans.
Together, the Goals and Objectives provide a common framework and focal point for action for all
Virginians who appreciate, care for, or are affected by historic resources. The Goals and Objectives are designed
to be used by any organization or individual with an interest in Virginia's historic buildings, sites, or places. We
can each find areas where our efforts and contributions will be most fruitful, and we can begin now to work toward
the long-term protection of those places which make this place Virginia, and us Virginians.
DRAFT
2
THE NATION'S TREASURE: THE COMMONWEALTH'S TRUST
The name 'Virginia' co4saes up imager of a rich, heroic past repres g eve rworfacet our
cultural history and devdopmew, from prdustoric nmrs to the preserm That past is brilliantly reflected in
Virginia's extraordinary legacy of historic buildings, places and archaeological sites. People from all over the world
seek out Virginia's landmarks as the tangible embodiment of the values and the events, persons and trends which
have shaped both Virginia and America. This heritage is one of American society's strongest bridges connecting
the present generation with the past and the future. Virginia's special appeal, its distinctive character, and much of
its income greatly depend upon the appropriate management of this national treasure which we as Virginians hold
in trust.
WHAT IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION?
Historic preservadon is abort people and the places
where people live, w * and gather:
Historic preservation is about people sitting down
together around the table to find ways of making
historic resources work for them and for their
communities. Landmarks are places of orientation
that tell us who we are, where we've come from and
where we are going. Sometimes it is only when we
lose historic resources that we learn just how
important they are to us as a community—so
important that as a community we may be moved to
work together to restore what we have lost.
Historic resources are truly community resources
serving a host of community needs.
Historic preservation is abour strengthening
ammumity may.
Historic preservation is about saving old houses,
conserving neighborhoods, and maintaining the
character of our historic downtowns. It is about
teaching with historic places and understanding the
past through archaeological exploration and
preservation of historic landscapes and views. It is
about revitalizing communities and community
centers, creating jobs, investment, and economic
development opportunities, increasing housing stock
and property values, and preserving places of lasting
beauty and cultural importance for present and future
generations to enjoy.
Historic preservation is as much concerned about the
present and the future as abort the past.
110
PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA'S UISI'ORIC RESOURCES BENEFITS VIRGE41A IN SPECIFIC AND
TANGIBLE WAYS:
Walor'c prwffvm*wn is a funda &zW comr'butor to W g'nra's S8 billion travel industry, Visiting histor'c
plaar's among thefallor'teaaividw ofd to Virginia. Data from the Virginia Division of Tourism
show that visitors who are attracted by our historic buildings, sites, and districts tend to extend their stays
longer and spend more heavily in hotels, shops, transportation services, and entertainment.The tourism
potential of historic resources extends beyond the appeal of museums. Revitalized historic downtown
commercial areas ars becoming tourist attractions in their own right. The popularity of Civil War sites
has soared in Virginia, evidenced by an 11.5 million visitation to related attractions in the summer of 1993.
More of the major battles of the war were fought in Virginia than in any other state.
A recent Virgu= Tech study, showing the potmuud
eaonom'c benrfizs of ph,otecring Civ'1 War are= in
the Wwwnadoah valley while keeping then in primate
ownership. danonstraterd that with m—mum
�s a particular Winchester battWIdd
could generate as much as $2 million for the load
emnamy.
A recau National Trust study showed that in one yew
alone, loch= to the Fraden ckyburg area purchased
$11.7 million worth of items from businesses in the
historic district and spent .1;17.4 mill'on outs'de the
district for lodging, food, and gasoline -
Mean which, twenty years ago, were eaonomicaUy in decline and neglected have become viable residential
neighborhoods Many Virginia towns and cities have discovered that a preservation -based approach to
some of the most urgent urban problems succeeds in precisely those areas where the demolition -oriented
urban renewal efforts of the 1950s and '60s most often failed.
Virginia comnrw 41,ff an using preservesion and rehabil'tation of cdving buildings, together with
at draeologiaal m plormion of the mm Is past, to renwhze downtown business and neszdeluial district.
Preservation activities in historic districts have significantly improved property values - at rates greater
than in surrounding areas - thereby increasing local tax revenues. In addition, by enhancing the image
of our cities as desirable places to live and work, preservation has promoted downtown economic
development and enhanced business profits and sales tax revenues. The same principle can be applied to
revitalizing rural and industrial communities.
DRAFT
4
Historic Preserwu M prrrvides new inwrsunent opporptnities for the prime senor. In community after
community, preservation has spurred the creation of jobs in areas where the need is greatest. Restoration
of buildings and recruitment of businesses to occupy those buildings creates jobs in the construction trades
and opens opportunities for local merchants, property owners, and developers to invest in the centers of
their communities. Realtors have learned that when buildings are restored to their original integrity they
become more marketable.
Sutw 1976, the prime sector has invested over $2010
million in over 570 Virginia historic rehabilitation
P^ojectr ung federal prewwation tar benefrts.
These inwesmu nt figures do not include the millions
ofdoll= Virginia culze s have urwms to rrnovwe
houses for their own residences, where no federal or
stare tar uuc mdves are offered.
Virginia's Jt0een acxire Main Street c wnmunu es are
Participating in a Progran: of preservation and
economic development chat has generated over $40
million in renovation projects. They have sawed
historic buildings, established over 631 new
businesses, and created a net gain of over 1,249 new
jobs in their historic downtowns.
At a time when our nation recognizes the urgent need for affordable housing, historic preservation
efforts throughout Virginia are reclaiming and redeveloping existing, often superior, housing stock
to increase housing opportunities for all Virginians. As our older housing stock has been renewed,
home ownership has increased and community life has improved, in neighborhoods where people feel more
secure and more hopeful about the future.
Historic resources are recreational resources. The 1992 Virginia Outdoors Survey showed that
Virginians ranked visiting historic places as the fifth most popular household recreational activity, after
walking for pleasure, driving for pleasure, swimming and sunbathing. Visiting historic sites ranked higher
than picnicking, boating, bicycling, fresh water fishing and camping.
Preservation is assisting Virginia's growing motion picture industry. Warwickton in Bath County
served as the stage set for the movie Somersby, one of 32 films shot on location in Virginia during the
period 1989-1992. The six-month use of the property for filming brought over $3 million into Bath
County. The Lexington Historic Distnct was also used for the film. The movie company stated that they
came to Virginia to film because of our historic resources.
VIRGINIA'S HISTORIC RESOURCES
HOW MANY ARE THERE?
DRAFT
5
Over 85,000 historic buildings and structures and over 26,000 archaeological sites have been identified through
historic preservation surveys and studies since 1966; however, the quality and extent of the surveys have varied
considerably.
WHERE ARE THEY?
All counties and cities have some properties recorded in DHR survey and site files. For architectural resources the
number of properties varies from 60 each is Greene and Smyth Counties to over 2,000 is Albemarle County, and
from fewer than 10 in some towns to over 1,000 (including surveyed historic districts) in large cities like Richmond
and Chesapeake. Most counties are represented by between 75 and 200 identified architectural properties; well -
surveyed rural counties are represented by 300 to 800 or more properties. For archaeological resources the number
of properties varies from 14 each in Dickenson and Nottoway Counties to over 2,000 in Fairfax County. The
difference in concentrations is due primarily to the difference in levels of survey.
Cummonweaith of Virginia
Department of Historic Resources
Statewide Survey of Historic Architecture
MAAClK 1994
KZY TO MAP:
a - 100 Surveyed Properties
102 - 300 Surveyed Properties
301 - 500 surveyed ProRerties
Q Sax - 1000 Surveyed Properties
OVER 1000 Surveyed Properties
NOTE: Survey levels are indicated for all counties
and only geographically large cities,
WHAT TYPES OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ARE REGISTERED?
Based on the findings of statewide survey efforts, the process of evaluating and listing historic properties on the
Virginia Landmarks Register and on the National Register of Historic Places offers an official benchmark for
recognizing the cultural and historic significance of the full range of historic resources in the state. There are
currently 1,633 entries encompassing over 34,670 contributing historic properties.
Historic Buildings — Buildings are created to shelter human activity. Individual historic buildings make up 73 %
of the historic resources which have been recognized as significant through state and national register listing.
Historic Structures — Structures are made for purposes other than creating shelter. Historic structures often are
associated with historic buildings as elements of a complex. Historic structured environments are plans or patterns
such as city plans, courthouse squares, or agricultural field patterns. Structures represent 3 % of Virginia's National
and State Register listings, while many more are included in district nominations.
Historic Sites — A site is the location of a significant event, activity, or occupation. There are three distinct types
of sites: archaeological, historic, and landscaped. Six percent of Virginia's State and National Register listings are
for individual sites: many others are included in district nominations.
Objects — Historic objects are primarily artistic in
nature or are relatively small in scale and simply
constructed. Though historic objects may be
movable, they are associated with a specific setting or
environment. Examples include sculpture,
monuments, boundary markers, statuary, and
fountains. Less than 2% of Virginia's registered
historic resources are for individual objects.
Historic Districts — A historic district is a
concentration of historic resources which have some
relation to each other. The entire grouping is often
more important than any of its individual properties.
While historic districts make up 16 To of
National Register
Nominations by Type
8uhaings
Nomin Rlbrr u of 12/SV•3
objects 19
Structures 62
Sites 99
Otstrlcts 283
too I
•
/
d7EASiM 1 111 —
fl
WHAT TYPES OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ARE REGISTERED?
Based on the findings of statewide survey efforts, the process of evaluating and listing historic properties on the
Virginia Landmarks Register and on the National Register of Historic Places offers an official benchmark for
recognizing the cultural and historic significance of the full range of historic resources in the state. There are
currently 1,633 entries encompassing over 34,670 contributing historic properties.
Historic Buildings — Buildings are created to shelter human activity. Individual historic buildings make up 73 %
of the historic resources which have been recognized as significant through state and national register listing.
Historic Structures — Structures are made for purposes other than creating shelter. Historic structures often are
associated with historic buildings as elements of a complex. Historic structured environments are plans or patterns
such as city plans, courthouse squares, or agricultural field patterns. Structures represent 3 % of Virginia's National
and State Register listings, while many more are included in district nominations.
Historic Sites — A site is the location of a significant event, activity, or occupation. There are three distinct types
of sites: archaeological, historic, and landscaped. Six percent of Virginia's State and National Register listings are
for individual sites: many others are included in district nominations.
Objects — Historic objects are primarily artistic in
nature or are relatively small in scale and simply
constructed. Though historic objects may be
movable, they are associated with a specific setting or
environment. Examples include sculpture,
monuments, boundary markers, statuary, and
fountains. Less than 2% of Virginia's registered
historic resources are for individual objects.
Historic Districts — A historic district is a
concentration of historic resources which have some
relation to each other. The entire grouping is often
more important than any of its individual properties.
While historic districts make up 16 To of
National Register
Nominations by Type
8uhaings
Nomin Rlbrr u of 12/SV•3
objects 19
Structures 62
Sites 99
Otstrlcts 283
7
Virginias registered historic resources, they contain 95 % of the total listed historic properties in Virginia or over
32,000 contributing historic zesources.
HOW DO REG7SY'E M HMORIC RESOURCES RELATE TO ONE ANOTMZt?
Historic resources are related to each other by tinge, space and how they fit into broad themes of human
activity. Some themes, some time periods, and some regions are better represented on the State and National
registers than others.
Mon is known about:
Themes:
architecture
archaeology
commerce
education
military
politics/government
religion
social history
transportation
Time periods:
early 19th century
mid 19th century
early 20th century(buddings/districts)
Regions:
The Valley
Northern Piedmont
Northern Virginia
Northern Coastal Plain
Less is known about:
agriculture
art
community planning and development
engineering
ethnic heritage
exploration settlement
industry
landscape architecture
Prehistory
17th century
18th century
late 19th century
Eastern Shore
Southwest
Southem Piedmont
Southern Coastal Plain
Little is
known about:
communications
law
conservation
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DRAFT
WHAT CURRENT TRENDS DVFLUENCE HLSTORIC RESOURCES?
Virginia's historic properties and resources are not an isolated phenomenon, but an inseparable
part of the social and environmental fabric of the Commonwealth. 'Thus they are affected by many of the same
influences which touch the lives of all Virginians. Those forces which will most directly affect historic resources -
- in both positive and negative ways — include:
• Economic treads: The current recession; the shrhddng of federal support and the reduction of the defense
industry; the loss of wealth in urban centers; inefficient development patterns; and decreasing state support
for historic preservation.
• Population treads: Population growth in Virginia's "golden crescent" and in some regions outside the
crescent; corresponding population losses in rural areas; and the increasing cultural and ethnic diversity
of Virginia's population.
■
Government and political trends: Increasing emphasis on regional cooperation; efforts to streamline
government; and emphasis on reducing regulations.
■ Transportation trends: increasing cooperation between the Departments of Transportation and Historic
Resources; and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.
• Tourism trends: The increasing public and professional interest m heritage tourism; and the planned
construction of Disney's America in northern Virginia.
■ Preservation trends: Increased interest in preservation of Civil War battlefields; the property rights
movement; and a widespread recognition of preservation as a contributor to community vitality.
DRAFT
PROTECTING AND MANAGING HISTORIC RESOURCES
In the pubiw mind, historic preyvva ionn has nvo fwadmnoual, ,sa mimes Wig, meanings: setting
aside pn7pe7i= for special safaieping, and inaoMora?ting the past unto our every day &, Both types of
pr>G mwmon ane found in Virginia. Many special properties are used as museums or memorials to remind us of
particular ideas or events. The most successful type of preservation, however, is often the second type, the weaving
of the tangible remains of the past into the fabric of our modern lives. This goal is eloquently stated in the National
Historic Preservation Act, which directs that 'the historical and cubur tl fosaidatiota of the Nation ,amu be
preserved as a living P'm't of our conom1uuty life and dewlopenart in order to ghw a sense of onionurrion to the
�icamn people.-
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS?
Historic preservation in Virginia is a mixed
enterprise: individual property owners,
citizens, private organizations, local
governments, private development interests,
neighborhoods, state and federal agencies,
and elected and appointed leaders, all play a
vital part. Various governmental and private
entities own and benefit from the
Commonwealth's historic resources. While
certain protection is offered historic
properties in federal, state or municipal
ownership, the vast majority of registered
historic resources are in private ownership.
On less than one percent of these properties,
181 historic preservation easements have
been donated by private property owners to
the Commonwealth, protecting in perpetuity
the resources and 14,000 acres of land. -
Ownership of Historic Property
in Virginia as of 11/93
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Private sector preservation. Virginians have always been great respecters of tradition, and have a long history
of caring for the places and things which connect them with the past. By far the strongest factor in preservation
in Virginia is the energy of those citizens who appreciate the Commonwealth's historic resources and wish to see
these resources preserved. Most historic properties are privately owned; most preservation activities are privately
funded and carried out; and most economic and other benefits of preservation are privately realized. Indeed, most
preservation decisions are based on market forces. Respect for the property owner's bottom line remains of
paramount importance to preservation's success.
Private stewardship. Many private citizens participate in preservation in Virginia, including property
owners who protect the historic resources in their care, professional consultants who make their expertise
and experience available to property owners, those realtors, business owners, and developers who work
with historic properties, and operators of museums and cultural attractions.
Preservation organizations. A wealth of private preservation organizations are found in Virginia.
National organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Association for the
Preservation of Civil War Sites, headquartered in Fredericksburg, claim strong membership among
Virginians. Major statewide preservation organizations include the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, the
Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the Council of Virginia Archaeologists, the
Archaeological Society of Virginia, and the Virginia chapters of the American Institute of Architects and
the Society of Landscape Architects, and Vernacular Architectural Forum. In addition, many local
organizations act on the local and regional level to preserve their communities' resources and character.
DRAFT o
Public sector preservation. Federal, state and local governments play two basic roles in historic preservation.
They directly control and bear stewardship responsibility for historic properties in their ownership, and indirectly
influence and inspire private historic preservation efforts through policy, guidance, assistance, incentives, and
occasionally, regulations.
National policy and programs. The primary federal law promoting historic preservation is the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, or NHPA. The NHPA establishes the National Register of Historic
Pieces, and requires that federal agencies take into account the effect of their actions on properties which
are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register. Much of the preservation activity in Virginia is
generated pursuant to the NHPA. NHPA establishes a historic preservation fund, administered by the
National Park Service, that provides matching funds for state historic preservation programs and to the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. Other important components of the national preservation system
are the federal income tax credit for rehabilitation of historic buildings and the income for deduction for
easement donation.
Local Government Preservation
Techniques in Virginia
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Lova! governments. State enabling legislation
requires that local governments include
consideration of historic areas in their
comprehensive plans, and allows them to enact
historic district zoning. Unlike listing on the
state and national registers, historic district zoning
can be used to protect historic resources from
destruction or inappropriate changes, 6storic
duv= zoo ng it the only mems by whuh 'a
government can place legal rewicdons on
historic prnpeM onviem At present, 49 cities
and towns, and 17 counties, have preservation
ordinances. Because the enabling legislation is
very general, local ordinances vary greatly in
their scope and effectiveness. Nevertheless, local
historic districts are among the best protections
available in Virginia for historic resources.
Currently, at least 16 cities and 5 counties offer
such incentives to historic property owners as tax
abatements, free design assistance, and low
interest loans.
State government. As the state's historic preservation agency, the Department of Historic Resources'
mission is to support identification and preservation of historic resources, to maintain a permanent record
of those resources, and to foster public appreciation of historic resources. Virginia's legislation makes
clear that it is not the role of the state to preempt the preservation activity of individuals or governments
at any level. Rather, it is the responsibility of the state to aid and encourage preservation across the
Commonwealth. The role of the Department of Historic Resources is to ensure that state pre*rvation
policies and programs will be comprehensive, and that the state will continue to coordinate its programs
with others. Toward these ends, the Department administers an assortment of programs providing services
to public agencies and the general public, education, consultation and incentives for preservation.
CRITICAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
11
The Department sought public views and areas of consensus around which to build a plan that would have
meaning and utility for the widest possible range of citizens and organizations.
Vision 2000 Historic Preservation Roundtable Approximately 40 invited representatives of various
interest groups met for a roundtable discussion in Richmond. Participants included traditional constituents
Of the preservation community, and representatives of interests less often associated with preservation —
tourism, education, housing, business, transportation and property rights advocates.
Public Participation Workshops Over 250 Virginians participated in eight regional workshops and
identified their issues and opportunities for preservation. Participants included historic property owners,
archaeologists, architects, planners, developers, transportation professionals, attorneys, landscape architects,
farmers, teachers, and businessmen (including the tourist industry).
Historic Preservation Vision 2000 Questionnaire The Department distributed a questionnaire to
workshop participants, to over 1,000 organizations, agencies, and groups receiving the Department's
newsletter, Footnotes, and to over 1,000 citizens and groups identified as interested parties by the Virginia
Commission on Population Growth and Development. 500 citizens completed the questionnaire for a return
rate of over 25 %.
There are clearly many different approaches to questions of how communities, citizens and government can work
together. Yet virtually all agreed that historic and archaeological resources are vital to Virginia's future, and that
it is both essential and possible to integrate their protection and use into economic development, and to balance
public and private interests in the process.
Virginians care about their heritage. They value the places, buildings and sites that connect them to that heritage.
Several key points about these resources emerged again and again:
The places most valued are not necessarily those associated with the traditional historic leaders, but those
that connect people to their sense of community and place, that they associate with their own memories,
and that make their own community special and unique.
All classes of historic resources are valued. While buildings and districts were most often identified by
name, each group pointed out the importance of other resource types—landscapes, archaeological sites,
industrial sites, rural and urban buildings and districts, streetscapes, historic roads and waterfronts and
many more.
Several underlying themes came out most clearly in the Roundtable discussion:
• The need to "mainstream" preservation and to integrate preservation with other agendas and with planning
and zoning;
The importance of the roles that local governments, citizen and neighborhood groups, and economic
development interests must play in historic preservation, and the need for greater community involvement;
■ The need for greater emphasis on protecting historic resources so that they are not lost while educational
efforts continue;
■ The fact that not all resources can be preserved, and that we must reach consensus about which are the
most important;
• The fact that no one method of protection is best for all circumstances, and that both financial incentives
and legal protections have roles to play.
DRAFT 12
The regional workshops best defined the key issues:
Financial resources. The issue raised more often than any other was the need for more financial
assistance, both in hard cash and in incentives.
■ Community involvement. Grass roots participation is essential to preservation's success and more
emphasis should be placed on training local citizens and groups to be effective advocates for preservation.
Governmental support systems should be more accessible to citizens.
• Leadership and coordination. Workshop participants looked to the Department for policy leadership,
coordination of statewide preservation activities, information on resources, and training.
■ Information. Lack of information is one of the key issues facing preservation. Information is needed on
where resources are located; what treatment options are available; financial and other preservation
incentives; the economic and community benefits of preservation; and effective advocacy.
■ Communication. Better communication is needed among government agencies which make decisions
affecting historic resources, the preservation community, and other related groups.
• Local government involvement. Local governments must become involved in preservation by integrating
historic resources in land use planning decisions. Better communication among elected officials, planning
officials, and the business community will facilitate good decisions.
The questionnaires identified three critical areas of concern needing priority attention in the coming years:
• Threats
Lack of knowledge about historic resources (70%),
Lack of money (61 %),
Demolition by neglect (59%)
■ Historic Preservation needs
Better education about historic resources (80 %),
Money for renovation/rehabilitation (66 %),
Better survey of local historic resources (42 %);
• Historic preservation issues
Local land use policies in general (60 %)
Renovation/rehabilitation of historic structures (58%)
State and national landmark designations (46%)
Citizens agreed that historic preservation will have its greatest success in the coming years by:
■ Working more effectively with historic property owners and making the preservation system more
accessible to citizens and local governments.
• Placing greater emphasis on grass roots participation and educational efforts.
■ Integrating its agenda, and forming partnerships, with other allied groups.
■ Broadening minority participation in preservation planning and decisions.
■ Integrating historic preservation into comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.
Developing financial and other incentives for historic preservation.
13
STRATEGIC GOALS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN VIRGINIA
GOAL: STRENGTHEN PRIVATE OBJECTIVES:
STEWARDSHIP OF HISTORIC
RESOURCES Recognize and honor ez
exnPlarY stewardship of historic
properties.
■ Encourage property owners, participation in preservation
planning and decisions.
• Develop and promote economic incentives for the
preservation and continued use of historic resources.
• Provide timely information, advice and technical
assistance on stewardship, preservation, and resources.
• Make government support systems more accessible to
historic property owners.
GOAL: STRENGTHEN GRASS ROOTS OBJECTIVES:
PRESERVATION EFFORTS
• Increase participation of community preservation and
heritage groups in planning and decisions.
• Expand technical and financial assistance to community
preservation and heritage groups.
• Make governmental support systems more accessible to
preservation and heritage organizations.
GOAL: INTEGRATE HISTORIC OBJECTIVES:
PRESERVATION WITH ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, Promote economic development that takes account of the
EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, values of historic resources and the economic benefits of
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND preservation.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
EFFORTS Expand heritage- tourism efforts and improve
communications between preservation and tourism
development offices.
■ Build alliances among state agencies and statewide
professional groups, preservation organizations and
heritage interests in promoting good stewardship of
historic resources and heritage education.
■ Promote common understanding and cooperation between
advocates of preservation and proponents of other vital
community interests.
■ Recognize and support exemplary cooperative efforts
between preservationists and allied groups.
GOAL: BROADEN MINORITY OBJECTIVES:
PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP
IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN Promote the participation of African Americans, Native
VIRGINIA Americans and other ethnic and cultural groups in
preservation organizations, activities, and decisions.
• Support cultural programs among Native Americans,
African Americans, and other ethnic and cultural groups.
■ Encourage local minority and ethnic groups to identify
resources important to them and to communicate their
significance to preservation organizations and government
agencies.
GOAL: STRENGTHEN OBJECTIVES:
STEWARDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND
ACCOUNTABILITY IN HISTORIC ■ Improve coordination and communication among public
PRESERVATION BY PUBLIC agencies in decisions affecting historic resources.
AGENCIES AT ALL LEVELS
• Encourage and support incorporation of preservation into
local community planning and zoning ordinances.
■ Set workable state, regional and local historic resource
protection priorities.
■ Strengthen local and regional historic resource survey and
planning efforts statewide.
• Integrate preservation into statewide planning and resource
management efforts.
■ Plan for and manage responsibly the full range of historic
resources in public ownership.
GOAL: HEIGHTEN PUBLIC OBJECTIVES:
AWARENESS OF THE VALUES AND
BENEFITS OF HISTORIC Share preservation information statewide.
PRESERVATION
■ Improve and expand heritage education.
■ Communicate and market preservation values.
• Improve management of historic resource data.
■ Increase preservation training opportunities.
DRAFT .,
LOOMG AHEAD
The Plan is a dynamic document which serves as a guide for decisions about the trot and preservation of
historic resources in Virginia. The six long-range goals expressed in the Plan grow from the vision of
preservationists and citizens from around the Commonwealth. while the Plan does not dictate to any one group,
it does establish goals to which preservation organizations can subscribe. Each organi=on can then select its own
strategies and set its own schedule. It is our hope that other organizations will use the goals and objectives
expressed herein to arrive at their own set of action plans. It is our hope that the Planwill serve as the caw yst for
the development of new ideas.
implementation of the Plan by the Department of Historic Resources
The Department is committed to achieving the goals and objectives expressed in the Plan. Preparation of the annual
work program is the primary activity inwhich the goals and objectives are considered for each program area and
for the Department as a whole. The Plan will also guide everyday actions and decisions affecting the identification,
evaluation, and treatment of historic properties. The Department's annual work plan will be measured against the
Plan for consistency with its intent, and new initiatives will be geared toward implementing its objectives.
Lnplementation of the Plan by Others
Virginia's citizens and preservation network must cooperate with each other in order to achieve the goals and.
objectives expressed in the Plan. The followingsuggested actions indicate was in which
SS y preservationists
throughout Virginia can work cooperatively to meet the goals identified through the planning Process.
Suggestions for the Public
■ Sponsor preservation workshops to encourage and inform communities and property owners about
preservation activities and appropriate treatment of historic resources.
• Involve the community in all survey activities and develop creative ways for disseminating information
about Virginia's historic properties to the public.
■ Incorporate archaeology into local preservation programs.
■ Maintain up-to-date information on your community's resources and historic properties so that it can
be shared with local planning agencies.
■ Encourage or assist in the creation and- use of a local preservation ordinance and review board.
Include archaeological sites in local ordinances.
■ Support efforts to obtain funding for staff and programs of local, regional, and state preservation
organizations and agencies.
16
Suggestions for Local Governments and other Agencies
■ incorporate historic preservation into comprehensive and statewide agency pians.
• Expand partnerships with the Virginia business community.
• Provide adequate financial assistance to local preservation programs.
• Follow up surveys, National Register nominations or local designations with an action plan or
treatment program tailored to the preservation needs of the area.
■ Offer financial incentives for preservation projects, including tax incentives and tax rebates.
• Publicize existing incentives to encourage public and private preservation activities.
Many may find that they are already involved in some of the suggested activities, while for others the suggestions
may not be appropriate to the role of their organization. Therefore, a wide range of suggestions has been
presented, acknowledging that preservation is a broad field with a diverse audience. The Departemnt will be glad
to provide additional information and advice.