National Register of
Historic Places
A large
portion of the West Central Neighborhood Association (WCNA), as well as several
individual properties and structures in the neighborhood, are listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The National
Register of Historic Places, administered by the National Park Service (NPS), is an official listing of those districts,
sites, structures, buildings and objects that have been deemed historically or
prehistorically significant at a local, state, or national level. The significance of a National Register
property is determined by its importance to American history, architecture,
archeology, engineering and culture. A
property must also possess integrity, which means that the physical
characteristics that existed during its prehistoric or historic period must
still be largely intact.
Any
property listed on the National Register qualifies for the distinction by
falling under at least one of four National Register Criteria. The property must:
1.
Be
associated with historic events or activities
2.
Be
associated with an important person(s)
3.
Possess
distinctive design or physical characteristics or that represent the work of a
master
4.
Have
the potential to provide important information relating to prehistory or
history
The
integrity of a property is based upon the qualities of location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. Not all of these qualities need to be met,
but a significant number must be present in order for the property to exhibit
an overall sense of its historical appearance and place. It must retain the physical materials,
design features and any other aspects of its construction that were associated
with the significance of the time period.
For example, a house that has replacement windows in a different style
than the originals and that has had its wooden clapboard siding covered with
vinyl siding no longer appears as it did when it was originally
constructed. It has lost enough
original qualities that it lacks historic integrity.
Other
than notoriety, what does being on the National Register of Historic Places
provide? First, it provides for a
certain amount of protection from harm. If
a federally funded project comes
about that may affect a National Register property, a review process has to take place
to insure that no amount of destruction or degradation will occur to the property.
Secondly, there are financial benefits to being listed.
Commercial properties (including rental residential) may qualify for
a 20% state income tax credit and a 20% federal
income tax credit to help fund any rehabilitation project. In Indiana, owners of residential properties now may qualify
for a state income
tax credit of up to 20% for assistance in rehabilitating their
properties.