Page 15 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan
P. 15
Historic Preservation Plan
Housing Diversity and Affordability
The preservation, reuse and rehabilitation of historic structures, m
including large single-family homes and small apartment buildings, .7
maintains a wider stock of housing types and can provide more
affordable options in neighborhoods. These historic structures can
also provide a key transition in scale in neighborhoods that currently
have the “missing middle” phenomenon – where a change from single- rj-f]
family homes to large apartment buildings is not buffered by modest
apartments and duplexes. Maintaining historic structures and an older Bell House *&%***■
housing stock also provides smaller structures and building types that
may no longer be permitted within a particular zone, creating the m ma 1
potential for a more affordable and diverse housing stock. r '"-■i v- m
y
Construction Quality ii'rM L i $
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Often the construction quality was higher in historic buildings than in
more recent building. Lumber came from mature trees, was properly
seasoned and typically milled to “full dimensions,” providing stronger m
framing. Buildings were thoughtfully detailed and finishes were
generally of high quality – characteristics that owners today appreciate.
This higher quality of construction in earlier buildings is therefore an
asset which is nearly impossible to replace. Adaptive reuse of early-20th century
residential structure for office use
Adaptability HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Owners also recognize that floor plans of many historic structures AND PROPERTY VALUES
easily accommodate changing needs. They can house a variety of
uses while retaining the overall historic character of these structures. The designation, maintenance
These changes include converting a house to an office, utilizing interior and renovation of historic
partitions, converting a carriage house or garage to an Accessory structures not only has a positive
Dwelling Unit (ADU), and creating a basement apartment. impact on the structure itself,
but on neighboring structures.
Economic Benefits There are many instances in
The economic benefits of investing in historic structures is well which the maintenance of a
documented in Oregon and across the nation. Because historic structures historic structure also increases
are finite and cannot be replaced, they can be precious commodities, property values in neighboring
structures, which is seen through
adding value to the properties. For instance, among National Register the following study about
districts in Philadelphia, historic homes received a sales price premium state investment in historic
of 131% over comparable properties in undesignated neighborhoods; preservation in Oregon:
in a study of Texas cities, local designation increased property values
between 5% and 20%. Historic buildings also attract small businesses https://restoreoregon.org/sb565-
who can utilize small historic structures, attract visitors and attract dollars-and-sense/
investment to preserve the structure and the area. Other economic
benefits center on rehabilitation projects and on the income generated
by heritage tourism.
Final: November 15, 2017 9