Midtown Neighborhood Proposed For National Historic Register

The Midtown Neighborhood could be recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in the coming years. 

It wouldn't put any new restrictions on the properties within the area, because the area is already designated as part of the extended historic preservation district of St. Charles, according to Community Development Presentation Planner Brenda Rubach.

"Any restrictions imposed are a result of local law," she explained during an informational meeting Monday night at St. Charles City Hall. "No new restrictions will be placed on a property if it's listed in the national register."

Any proposed exterior changes or any proposed demolition properties within the historic preservation district must be approved by the Landmarks Board, Rubach said. This is required by the city's historic preservation ordinance. 

The Landmarks Board sponsored the meeting to inform residents and property owners of the results of a recent historical survey on the Midtown Neighborhood. 

Rubach presented from a Powerpoint slideshow some of the findings of the historical survey — which included various architecturally significant buildings in the Midtown neighborhood — a map of the proposed district, criteria for buildings and districts to be listed on the historic register, and what happens with properties listed on the register. 

The listing does not give the federal or state government control over private property, Rubach said. No restrictions or limitations will be placed on a property if it's is listed on the national register of historic places. 

One of the benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, she said, is that people can apply for federal and state tax credits to rehabilitate recognized historic properties.

"It's because the national register has such little power to protect historic buildings that it is so important that communities adopt local historic preservation ordinances, which St. Charles has done," Rubach said. "The Midtown neighborhood is designated as part of the extended historic preservation district."

The survey was partially funded by three years' worth of grants awarded to St. Charles, from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service, and identified eligible buildings for the National Register of Historic Places, according to the public meeting notice posted online. 

Rubach will continue on to the next step in the progression of getting the Midtown Neighborhood Historic District recognized on the national register, which she said it will take at least another year to complete the necessary grants. 

Owners of property nominated for the national register will be notified well in advance of their property's official listing, Rubach said. Anyone who wishes to object to the listing may send a certified letter to the state preservation office.