How Research Studies Support Preservation Efforts

In Georgia and other states, studies show that historic preservation contributes financially to a community. Preservation activities also serve to maintain and reinforce the economic position of the community.

Economic Benefit of Historic Preservation in Georgia, a study conducted over a 20- year period, sampled three representative cities from different areas of the state. Rome, Tifton, and Athens were surveyed in three measurable economic areas of real estate, construction, and commercial activity. Comparing similar sample areas, historic zoning districts having both local and national designation have maintained the highest property values, outperforming non-designated areas.

For example, in the city of Rome, Georgia,

• locally designated Between the Rivers district dramatically outperformed East Rome Historic, which is only nationally designated, by 61.92 %.
• Oakdene Place neighborhood, also locally designated, experienced a healthy rise in property values of 36.91 % in comparison to nationally designated South Broad Historic (4.54 %) and Mt. Aventine (-4.36 %).

"Reviewing residential property assessment figures, statistics indicated that designated properties increased in value 10 % more than non-designated properties, and locally designated properties increased in value almost 80 % more that those only nationally designated," researchers state.

Another example is Tifton, Georgia, a city touting a railroad past and comparable in size to Norcross. In response to citizen interest in local preservation measures and financial incentive eligibility, The Historic Preservation Commission was established in 1988. A year later, the local designation of the Tifton Historic District provided protection for the city's historic core.

Tifton used The National Trust's study model to assess the impact of preservation efforts. Construction data gathered from building and electrical permits was used to determine activity levels in local designated historic areas as opposed to non-designated areas. The same data was used to calculate economic benefits to the community through jobs created and additional revenues to the local government. Results show Designated residential neighborhoods contributed double the jobs and twice as many dollars to the local economy when compared to non- designated areas.

Since obtaining local designation, property values in Tifton's downtown areas have appreciated at a rate greater than the other areas. Overall, the data supports the designation of historic areas as a means of maintaining economic viability.

"We don't market historic character," say preservation supporters in Florida, We market charm and quaintness.

• For full text of Florida study, go to http://www.law.ufl.edu/cgr/
  Scroll down to Economic Impacts of Preservation in Florida
• For Georgia study, See Economic Impacts of Preservation in Georgia