Communities leverage preservation-based and traditional economic development tools to revitalize historic areas.
Statewide Outcomes
- Increased % of economic development tools being used for historic preservation
- Historic preservation is proven conclusively and promoted as an economic engine
- Increased visitation statewide at historic sites
Action Ideas and Case Studies
- Action Idea: Develop preservation-based economic development information clearinghouse
- Action Idea: Update statewide “Economic Impact of Preservation” study
- Case Study: Brewster County Signage Project
The Brewster County Historical Commission (BCHC) has partnered to develop informational signage to be installed along the highways throughout Brewster County to assist tourism programs in the region. This project is a joint effort between the BCHC and the Brewster County Tourism Council and is being funded by hotel/motel tax. It will consist of 35 new interpretive signs that promote the county’s historic, cultural, and natural attractions. This program is in cooperation with the Texas Highway Department using highway right-of-way space. A review committee from the BCHC and the Center for Big Bend Studies will assemble historical data for each sign. The archives at Sul Ross State University and other area partners will assist in the research and dedication programs. The project approach and fabrication methods have already been shared with surrounding counties in anticipation of their contribution to this regional tourism and education initiative.
Greater Houston Preservation Alliance commissioned a study by the University of Houston’s Hobby Center for Public Policy (HCPP) to illustrate the value of historic district designation in dollars and cents. The results of this study clearly illustrates the positive impact historic district designation has on property values in Houston. HCPP conducted a comparative analysis of Harris County Appraisal District records from the past ten years. Appraised values in three designated City of Houston historic districts were measured against values of comparable properties in adjacent historic neighborhoods that are not designated historic districts. Separate analyses were conducted for land values and improvement values. Values for more than 1,500 separate properties were analyzed. The HCPP findings show that Houston’s results are in line with those for other cities: Historic properties in designated historic districts have higher appraised values and maintain those values better than those in comparable adjacent neighborhoods that are not designated historic districts.
THC Programs Supporting Goal
- Texas Main Street Program
- Texas Heritage Trails Program
- Heritage Tourism Program
- THC’s State Historic Sites
- Texas Treasure Business Award
More Information and Resources
- Funding and Assistance for Preservation Projects Handout
- Texas Economic Development Handbook (2008)
- Statewide Plan Issue Preservation-Based Economic Development
- Save America’s Treasures–The Numbers (Measures the impact of this program on job creation)
- In Hard Times It’s Time For Renovation and Preservation
- National Trust’s: Preservation = Jobs
- National Trust’s: Community Revitalization
- Historic Preservation at Work for the Texas Economy
