UNIVERSITY HILL NATIONAL HISTORIC AREA @USC

There are two different kinds of historic designation. First, there is the National Register District. This is administered for the federal government in this state by the SC Department of Archives and History. Here is their website explanation of the register: "The National Register of Historic Places is a list of properties significant in our nation’s past, which is maintained in Washington, D.C., by the National Park Service. Properties are added to the list by nominations submitted by citizens nationwide through State Historic Preservation Offices. South Carolina has over 1,300 listings in the National Register. This includes over 160 historic districts. " National Register Designation requires a thorough surveying of individual properties and a district such as University Hill must have many architecturally fine and intact structures to qualify for the Register. Once on, individual structures may qualify for tax credits for eligible work--the tax credits can be significant depending upon the amount of work done. There are no restrictions on building or demolition when there is a National Register district in place, but ineligible work may disqualify structures for tax credits. Here is the link to more information if you're interested: http://shpo.sc.gov/properties/register/results.htm. Also, the nomination information for University Hill can be found here: http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/richland/S10817740131/index.htm

 

Here at the City, we also designate districts, but generally we call these local districts and University Hill has the name "University Hill Architectural Conservation District" for its historic designation. This actually coexists with the National Register district in place. The City, however, reviews changes made to the exterior of buildings (remember--changes visible from the public right-of-way?"). The goal of the district is to maintain the architecture and character of the district while allowing for contemporary needs. Many projects are reviewed by staff (out of my office) but larger projects must go to the Design/Development Review Commission. They process a large majority of projects in one meeting. The local historic designation can help to maintain eligibility for the National Register and also provides access to the Bailey Bill for eligible properties. The Bailey Bill is a tax abatement measure passed by City and County Councils. This combined with state and federal tax credits has made many projects feasible for property owners in the last couple of years. Here is the link to the guidelines for University Hill as well as the City's Bailey Bill:  http://www.columbia.sc.gov/coc/index.cfm/development-gateway/planning-and-development-services/preservation-and-design/.

 

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