Historic Districts are Good for Your Pocketbook

House Prices Rise in Special Districts

By Patti Marinelli

Historic Preservation Committee

According to studies completed in South Carolina, the values of houses in Local Historic Districts increases at a higher rate than in other areas. In Columbia, for example, house prices in Local Historic Districts increased 26% faster than similar houses not in such districts! 

Many of our neighbors already live in Local Historic Districts, which are designated by the City.  For example, Elmwood Park, Earlewood, Melrose, Wales Garden and the University area all have or are in the process of getting this kind of designation. The main idea of such districts is to preserve the beautiful original architectural style of the homes.

Cottontown  is currently designated a national historic district: Most of the homes belong to the Bellevue Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.  Your Neighborhood Association is now working with local officials to explore having our neighborhood placed in a local historic district, as well.

How would living in a Local Historic District impact you?

For routine exterior repairs (like painting or repairs that do not change the appearance of the exterior), there is NO impact.

For remodeling the interior of your home, there is NO impact.

For new additions or major changes (like windows, doors, dormers, porches, etc.), the changes would be reviewed by a City Design Review Board before the work begins. These folks can help us choose the styles and materials that will preserve the look of our neighborhood.