Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1997
Journal Title
West Virginia Law Review
ISSN
0043-3268
Abstract
Historic designation is an important step toward protecting a historic district, in part because it allows property owners to obtain tax credits in the rehabilitation of their properties. Not only does it certify the importance of an historic area, but it also creates economic opportunities for property and business owners in that area through both tax credits and tourism opportunities. Because historic designation and the tax credits that go along with it can be lost if more than sixty-five percent of all downtown structures in an historic district lose their historic character, designation depends upon the cooperation of property owners. It imposes a responsibility on all property owners to work together to maintain the historic integrity of the district This responsibility becomes especially important in an area like downtown Morgantown, which has seen a great deal of development due to a seasonal economy dependent upon the University community. Certain actions of property owners of contributing buildings within an historic district can impact other property owners and their ability to access the tax credits. Therefore, it is important that such owners consider the other buildings when making changes that no longer respect the historic integrity of their building.
First Page
423
Volume Number
100
Publisher
West Virginia University
Recommended Citation
Megan M. Carpenter,
Preserving a Place for the Past in Our Future: A Survey of Historic Preservation in West Virginia,
100
W. Va. L. Rev.
423
(1997).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.tamu.edu/facscholar/342