Greendale Gains National Historic Landmark Status
Greendale's history as a "greenbelt" community built during the Great Depression has helped make it one of 27 new national landmarks. There are only 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites across the country.
Greendale has officially been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Interior Department.
Greendale is one of three government-sponsored “greenbelt” communities built during the Great Depression.
According to a press release from the department, construction of Greendale "represents the federal response to the desperate unemployment of the era and the urgent need for housing reform for the urban working class."
On Wednesday the department announced a total of 27 new national landmarks. Currently there are only 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites across the country that bear this national distinction.
In 2003 the Greendale Historical Society and the State of Wisconsin Historical Society submitted a nomiation for the National Historic Landmark status. Greendale was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, however, the process towards National Historic Landmark was a much longer one that required further study.
Last year the Greendale Historical Society said that this is how it will affect homeowners:
- The tax laws provide 20% investment tax credit with a full adjustment for rehabilitating historic commercial, industrial and rental residential building.
- Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions or for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures are allowed.
- Technical assistance regarding tax credits, preservations, etc. can be obtained through the National Park Service and the State Historical Society.
- Homeowners and businesses will be eligible for grants and loans if and when funds are available because of the National Historic Landmark designation.
Bren
10:49 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Does this mean we can take down the screamin' LED sign now?
Nicki
8:15 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
The LED sign is just fine. With everything else at the location (the recent improvements on the streets and the very large entrance to Southridge across the street from the sign), it's just part of the scenery. I wonder whether Greenbelt, MD and Greenhills, OH have also been honored with this distinction. It speaks volumes of the efforts of the Village to celebrate it's history.
Bren
9:18 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
...cuz nothing screams "Historic District" like a LED sign...
Viviana Buzo
11:06 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
I just heard this information yesterday at the Greendale Historical Society Meeting. Greenbelt has the status while Greenhills hasn't event applied for it.
jeff ircink
7:05 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
@Bren - nothing screams "historic district" like an LED sign AND an ARCH....right next to the LED sign.
jeff ircink
7:08 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
@NICKI - the LED sign has been great for advertising the 75th anniversary next year, or one or two events happening in the village. other than maybe 3 events rotating - THIS is why the LED sign was installed? and now an arch is going up practically right next to the LED sign? waste. it'll be interesting to see how much more monies (from being named a national historic district) the board can waste to clutter up the village.