Maintenance is Preservation

The following rationale for maintaining the beauty and historic integrity of the Old North End Neighborhood has been taken from an introduction to the Old North End Neighborhood Interpretive Guide.

“The Old North End Neighborhood is a remarkably intact collection of architecturally and historically significant buildings located within a distinctive setting of mature trees and landscaped medians.  These historic buildings serve as a tangible link to our shared heritage and help make the Old North End a unique place to live and visit.  Because their replacement is impossible, it is important to preserve and protect the buildings and setting that comprise the neighborhood for future generations.”

Since property owners play key roles in such efforts, the information that follows is meant to be educational and help promote good stewardship. 

• Old North End Neighborhood Interpretive Guide is a pictorial guide to best practices for appropriate maintenance, rehabilitation, additions and new construction to the outside of your home. Some photo examples of what to avoid are also addressed. The two guides below provide support. 

• North End Historic District Design Guidelines- As stated in its preface, the primary goal of this guide is education and design review, two crucial components of preservation. For a suggested donation of $10, you may obtain a hard copy from Pat Doyle at patdoyle@mac.com. 

• Design Guidelines for the North Weber/Wahsatch Historic District –This document was published in 1990 as part of the City’s preservation program. These guidelines contain text, illustrations and photographs that inform both property owners and “public entities” alike.  The intent is to identify historic characteristics, appropriate methods of preservation and to promote architectural cohesiveness.   

• Preservation Briefs from the National Park Service – Fifty technical briefs provide information on preserving, rehabilitating and restoring historic structures.  Under “The Standards” on that page, the three terms in red above are defined, but information under “Rehabilitation and Guidelines” applies specifically to applications for Colorado tax credits. 

• Chicago Bungalow Association –This website provides homeowners with how-to seminars.  Especially helpful are steps to choosing the right landscape design and plants for your bungalow garden.  

• Additional Historic Preservation Resources in Other Places–This section includes how-to resources for many rehabilitation projects and links to other key information.