In neighborhoods north of downtown Greenwood, about 280 buildings — mostly homes and churches — will qualify under an effort to get the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Consultants working with the city have submitted a nomination for the historic designation, which could help residents and other property owners get grants to restore their homes and buildings.
In September, two consultants walked the neighborhood, documenting key details about each building. Since then they’ve done additional research and submitted their findings to the Department of Natural Resources for review. The nomination has passed the initial review stages without any red flags or points of contention, said Kurt Garner from K.W. Garner Consulting & Design. The project was funded with $6,500 from two state grants.
Once the state department of natural resources gives its approval, the nomination would then be considered by the National Parks Service. If approved, the neighborhood would be put on the National Register of Historic Places, which could happen as soon as the middle of this year.
The historic district would include homes north of Main Street, such as on Euclid Avenue, Broadway, Pearl, Wiley and Brewer streets.
If the old town neighborhoods are approved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, buildings that are historic and haven’t been changed significantly would qualify for optional tax credits or funding for repairs.
Of the 350 buildings in the area, about 280 will likely meet the requirements for that tax break, Garner said.
Property owners who take advantage of the tax break will need to follow strict requirements for the work on their property. Those not taking a tax break would not be bound by those requirements, city officials have said.
Shops and restaurants along Main Street and Madison Avenue in downtown Greenwood received the same designation three decades ago.
