Page 41 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

Pl annin g a Preservation Project

c h a p t e R 3 : p l a n n i n g

a p R e s e R v a t i o n p R o j e c t

a . W h a t d o e s p R e s e R v a t i o n

m e a n ?

Historic preservation means keeping properties and places of
historic and cultural value in active use while accommodating
appropriate improvements to sustain their viability. It also means
keeping historic resources for the benefit of future generations.
That is, while maintaining properties in active use is the immediate
objective, this is in part a means of assuring that these resources
will be available for others to enjoy in the future.

d e t e R m i n i n g h i s t o R i c s i g n i f i c a n c e

What makes a property historically significant? A property is
considered to have historic significance if it meets a defined age
threshold, and meets at least one of the established criteria for
determining significance. In so doing, it also must retain sufficient
integrity to be able to convey that significance.

a g e o f h i s t o R i c R e s o u R c e s

In general, properties must be at least 50 years old before they can
be evaluated for potential historic significance, although exceptions
do exist when a more recent property clearly has historic value.
Properties determined to have historic significance meet the age
threshold, and also fit within a period of historic significance that
applies to the area. With the age of the property in mind, it is then
evaluated for its significance, using defined criteria.
Three photos taken over the
100+ year history of 817 W. Main
show how key character-defining
features were preserved during the
most recent improvements to the
exterior of the structure.

Waxahac hie Residential design guidelines 33