Quincy Local Landmark and District Designation

Local Landmark and Historic District designation is Quincy’s official list of places recognized for historical, architectural, or archaeological significance and considered worthy of preservation.

Why is designation important?

Historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the community are tangible links with the nation’s past, helping to provide a sense of identity and stability often missing in this era of constant change.  By highlighting Quincy’s roots and distinct character, historic preservation reinforces the traditional American values of a neighborhood and family.  Preservation is an anchor that keeps communities together by reestablishing pride and economic vitality.

What is a Local Landmark?

A local landmark is a single property, structure, site or object worthy of recognition by the City for its architectural significance, its historical significance, or both.

What is a Historic District?

A historic district is an area of contiguous properties defined by geographic boundaries.  It is tied together by a sense of neighborhood, and contains one or more properties that may qualify as a landmark.  Not all the properties need to be significant, but the district must contribute to the distinctive historical or architectural character of the area.

Is my property eligible for listing?

Properties eligible for local designation may include buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects of significant value as part of the historical, cultural, artistic, social, economic, or other heritage of the community.  Buildings may vary from simple cottages to elaborate homes, commercial buildings, churches, or other structures.  They could also:

·        represent the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, period, or method of construction, or embody fine craftsmanship in construction

·        be identifiable in the community as a familiar visual feature owing to their unique location or physical characteristics

·        be associated with an important person or event in national, state, or local history

·        be a notable or influential work of a master builder, designer, architect, or artist

What are the benefits of listing?

Local designation makes a property eligible for certain financial benefits and increases Quincy’s awareness of its architectural, historical, and cultural resources by:

·        promoting a sense of pride in past achievements

·        promoting pride in one’s own property and education the community through plaquing by the Quincy Preservation Commission

·        providing the opportunity for a property tax assessment freeze for rehabilitating single-family, owner-occupied residences

·        providing the opportunity for federal income tax credits for rehabilitating income-producing properties located in a historic district

·        providing review of alterations of significant architectural or historical features, and a review of substantial alterations to the exterior portion of the property

·        qualifying projects for grants-in-aid, when available

·        providing a review and six month delay of demolition of a property

What does designation mean I have to do?

Local designation DOES NOT require review of:

·        normal or routine owner maintenance, including painting, staining or cleaning of exterior surfaces (except for sandblasting), installation of storm windows, or repair or replacement of damaged or unserviceable items if the repair or replacement is consistent with the original item

·        any construction, alteration, or removal on the INTERIOR of the structure

·        landscaping, groundskeeping, or similar exterior activities

Local designation requires obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness for:

·        alterations to significant architectural or historical features, as listed on the nomination form

·         substantial alterations to the exterior portion of the property, including additions, removal of features, or any partial demolition

What is the process for designation?

A nomination form can be completed by anyone, though usually by the Quincy Preservation Commission, and filed at the Preservation Commission office.  The owner is notified and the Quincy Preservation Commission reviews the nomination.  If the nomination is approved for further consideration, an owner consent form is mailed to the owner(s) of the property(ies) for a signature indicating approval or disapproval and a public hearing is scheduled.  Through these mediums, comments are received on the proposed designation.  Though owner consent is not required for Local Landmark designation, for a Historic District designation two-thirds of all the property owners who respond must approve of the designation.  If the Quincy Preservation Commission decides to continue with the proposed designation, they nominate the property to the City Council for designation.  The City Council has the final approval of the designation of Local Landmarks and Historic Districts.