Downtown Historic District

The Moscow Historic Preservation Commission has proposed that downtown Moscow be nominated for listing as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing would make buildings eligible for rehabilitation tax credits and other financial incentives.

The designation could also help draw attention to the central business district as a charming, comfortable destination with its own unique character. These are qualities that can be marketed throughout the region, particularly in combination with promotions of the city as an artistic and cultural center. On a more basic level, a National Register listing typically fosters increased community pride and increased motivation for owners to maintain their properties in good condition.

Contrary to popular belief, this type of historic district would NOT impose restrictions or mandates on businesses within the district. That confusion arises from the fact there are two different kinds of historic districts. A listing on the National Register of Historic Places is fundamentally different from a district created by local ordinance.

A National Register listing is "all carrot, no stick." The property becomes eligible for federal tax credits and other incentives, but if owners choose not to participate, there are no penalties or mandates. Owners can paint their buildings pink or even tear them down if they so choose. Of course, owners who do choose to accept preservation incentives are then bound by the conditions of those grants, loans, or tax credits.

The other kind of district, created by local ordinance, can be highly restrictive. Some communities regulate building design, materials, and even paint color. Others are less strict. Lewiston has a local-ordinance historic district that does not impose undue hardship on its property owners. But that's not what Moscow's Historic Preservation Commission is proposing.

A National Register listing does involve standards, but they are standards of eligibility, not conduct. To qualify as a district, a certain percentage of buildings must be judged "contributory" as to age, design, condition, etc. The Commission may need to persuade some owners to restore the original building facades or other elements in order for the district to qualify. But we can't force anyone to do anything.

The Commission plans to hire a qualified consultant to prepare the detailed documents required for the National Register nomination process. If approved by the State Historic Preservation Office, the district would be added to the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the National Park Service.

Comments and questions may be directed to members of the Moscow Historic Preservation Commission.

Further information is available at these websites:

National Park Service

Idaho State Historic Preservation Office