Historic Designation
Phone: (812) 349-3507
Fax: (812) 349-3582
Email: hiestann@bloomington.in.gov
The Best Way to Preserve is to List
Why should an owner wish to list his property as a local historic district?
- Historic Districts foster homeownership.
- Historic District residents tend to be vested in the community and become long term occupants.
- Property values rise at a higher rate than in unlisted neighborhoods.
- The architectural integrity and historic value of a listed historic property is insured by the review process of the historic commission.
Develop a network of assistance
Bloomington Historic Commission members are acknowledged as the most professionally accomplished in the state. Their expertise in historic research, real estate, construction, design, and materials acquisition can help you make the best choices to preserve your historic property.
Assist in the preservation of your property
The Historic Commission's role is to review any proposed changes to the exterior of a property listed on the local register. This insures that those elements of the building that are significant to its character are preserved and its historic value is guaranteed.
Leverage a greater voice in the Community
A historic district designation gives your neighborhood an advantage in the competitive process of grant application and creates an identifiable voice in community affairs. It's a reason to ask: funds for appropriate signage, lamp posts, historic sidewalk repair are available through local, state, federal and nonprofit grants and low interest loans targeted for historic properties.
Build Community Identity
Prospect Hill Historic District was placed on the local register in 1991. Since that time, many of the houses in the district have been restored, increasing property values and enhancing the neighborhood's unique identity. A strong neighborhood association has taken a leadership role in public affairs and developed innovative projects to further the theme of historic preservation within its boundaries.
The Process
What are the Criteria
Any building, structure, neighborhood or district within the corporate limits of Bloomington that displays architectural or historical significance as outlined in the historic ordinance may apply for local designation. It must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Has significant character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state, or nation; or is associated with a person who played a significant role in local, state or national history;
- Is the site of an historic event;
- Exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social. or historic heritage of the community;
- Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural or engineering type;
- Is the work of a designer whose individual work has significantly influenced the development of the community;
- Is the work of a designer of such prominence that such work gains its value from the designer's reputation;
- Contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant innovation;
- Contains any architectural style, detail, or other element in danger of being lost; or
- Owing to its unique location or physical characteristics, represents an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or the city.
How do I apply for Historic Designation?
How do I apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
There is no fee to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness. A few photographs, plans, a map and a description of the work are all you need. The review will take place at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Design guidelines are developed by the neighborhood in collaboration with the Historic Commission. They are customized for each historic district to provide information about the appropriateness of exterior changes to historic buildings. The Prospect Hill Historic District Guidelines were developed first.Prospect Hill Historic District Design Guildelines (PDF 540.61 KB) The Fairview Historic District Guidelines were approved in 2000. Fairview Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF 14.06 MB) Residents can compare their proposals to the guidelines before submitting for review by the Historic Preservation Commission. The goal of any historic district is to preserve the character-defining details of the buildings within their boundaries.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is much like a building permit. It should be displayed in your window while work is in progress. If your work also requires a building permit from the Monroe County Building Department, the COA should be attached to the building permit application.