Historic preservation is something that benefits all of us. Historic places are a living history that helps us understand and engage with the past and transmit this understanding to future generations. Cities that honor, celebrate and protect their heritage help them reap financial benefits, boost the economy, and create a sense of place, vibrancy and eclecticism, the likes of which cannot be pulled off with new construction.
Aesthetic Benefits of Preservation
The aesthetic feel of a historic district is like none other. These sections of our cities have a unique character that only comes with time. Communities that have no historic district can only dream of such an asset. Attempts to replicate it often come up short and fail to artificially create the sense of place and feel you get in a historic district. This is a major draw for businesses, tourists and locals to live, shop and spend their leisure time in carefully preserved historic districts.
How Historic Preservation Boosts the Economy
People, from all over, come to see and enjoy the atmosphere of our historic downtown. They also come to see unique businesses, community events, and the historic architecture that is exclusive to this area. These preserved buildings enhance real estate values and foster local business. Heritage tourism is a major economic force and is alive and well, especially in historic districts such as our downtown. The more care, attention and light given to our downtown to ensure it is preserved, the greater economic force it will become.
Nationally vs Locally Protected Historic Sites
Many communities have both a federally designated historic district and a locally designated district. Use of both can help a community effectively preserve its historic assets. For example, a community can use the National Register as a credible way to identify important historic resources. Then, the local government can make those resources more visible by designating them as a locally protected historic district.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official listing of sites that have received national recognition for its historic value. This is an honorific program and does not guarantee that a historic site will be protected. This national recognition does, however, come with incentives. These listed properties may be eligible for a number of grant programs and any income-producing property is eligible for tax credits if rehabilitated and preserved in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.
A locally protected historic designation is the best way for a community to protect its historic assets. This designation is created by City ordinance and typically includes the review of any alteration to the buildings within the district. The standards of preservation in a local historic district vary from city to city. Successful historic preservation is best achieved when these local standards match the National Standards and yet are flexible enough to review each building on its own merits, design and historic value.
What are some of Pocatello’s Nationally Recognized Historic Sites?
Pocatello is home to 16 historic sites and 7 historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Pocatello has 1 locally protected historic district.
Some of Pocatello’s nationally recognized historic sites include:
- Bethel Baptist Church at 401 N. 5th Ave. (Listed on September 30, 2021)
- Brady Memorial Chapel at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. (Listed on May 1, 1979)
- The Standrod House at 648 N. Garfield Ave. (Listed on January 18, 1973)
- Pocatello Historic District in Downtown Pocatello (Listed on June 3, 1982)
- Pocatello Warehouse Historic District on 1st & 2nd Ave. (Listed on September, 3 1996)
For a complete listing, please visit https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/BasicSearch/ and search “Idaho/Bannock/Pocatello” under the appropriate State/County/City fields.
Preserving and rehabilitating these structures help improve the health and economic vitality of the community. These structures play a vital role in helping us understand the past and provide clarity regarding our identity as a community. The value of these buildings will continue to increase, benefitting the property owner, tenants and the public at large as the community diligently ensures their protection.
To donate to the restoration of the Brady Chapel, go to pocatello.us/171/Brady-Chapel
For more information on the HPC go to pocatello.us/255/Historic-Preservation
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