Preserving Tulsa's History

Speaking at the Developing Tulsa Conference at the OSU Tulsa campus, Amanda Decort emphasized the value of Tulsa’s deep-rooted history from oil mansions, Art Deco styling, WPA projects and Route 66 history. Promoting the development and preservation, Decort said developers can receive up to 40% of their development costs back upon completion of the project. This makes preserving the historical value of a structure a feasible goal from a financial aspect since much development can be squelched by costly preservation restrictions. The National Register and HP Zoning Overlay are two important tools used to govern areas which qualify as historic landmarks or historic districts. Areas such as Lortondale, Maple Ridge and other historic areas.

The National Register of Historic Places does not impose an restrictions on use, sale or maintenance of your building. Instead, it is an honor to have your building listed. It is HP zoning that provides restrictions which are often sought by property owners to preserve the value of their investments. Studies indicate that Historic Preservation Zoning areas appreciate at a faster rate than non Historic Preservation zoned districts. Design review includes what is called a certificate of appropriateness which is a review process to insure that the alterations made to a property remain in accordance to the architectural design of the era. If you are purchaser or developer in a historic district, the first step obtain your HP permit and follow by obtaining your building permit. Forms and additional information is available at www.tulsapreservationcommission.org

May 19^th is Citywide Preservation Celebration. Nominate someone you know for their contribution to Tulsa’s historic preservation. Tulsa will also be the home of 2008 National Preservation Conference. More information will be posted here as details are available.