There have been no changes, only reaffirmations. As defined by the Secretary of the Interior, and adopted by the State of Michigan:
“A contributing (historic) resource is one that adds to the historic association, historic architectural quality, or archaeological values for which a property is significant because it was present during the period of significance, relates directly to the documented significance, and possesses historic integrity.”
Although, in Spring of 2015, money had been allocated to repair the structures, most of it was not used and the City allowed the buildings to deteriorate. The cost of renovation has been cited as reason to bring the buildings down rather than renovate. Those who live in the Old West Side Historic District must follow strict guidelines to renovate their homes and businesses, and spend the extra money to stay compliant with HDC guidelines. The City should be held to those same standards; it is an investment in the future for both the neighborhood and the City. But, on September 20, 2018, at the request of the City, the HDC approved the demolition of the current structures in order to clear the way to develop the property.
“A contributing (historic) resource is one that adds to the historic association, historic architectural quality, or archaeological values for which a property is significant because it was present during the period of significance, relates directly to the documented significance, and possesses historic integrity.”
Although, in Spring of 2015, money had been allocated to repair the structures, most of it was not used and the City allowed the buildings to deteriorate. The cost of renovation has been cited as reason to bring the buildings down rather than renovate. Those who live in the Old West Side Historic District must follow strict guidelines to renovate their homes and businesses, and spend the extra money to stay compliant with HDC guidelines. The City should be held to those same standards; it is an investment in the future for both the neighborhood and the City. But, on September 20, 2018, at the request of the City, the HDC approved the demolition of the current structures in order to clear the way to develop the property.