historic districts

On Monday, March 23, Lou Sessinger wrote a very good article about the pending Souderton National Historic District in the Doylestown Intelligencer.

They even put a link to our website for more information.

Thank you to Shelby Splain and Chris Frey from Keystone Preservation for supplying all the background material along with the good explanations.

We are already seeing the positive impact of this designation as commercial property owners inquire about the federal tax credits for their projects.

Commercial Properties within the national historic district are eligible for a 20% tax credit for eligible work. To make it worth going through the process, the project needs to be substantial. We all win when the commercial buildings are restored.

Watch this website for future updates on educational programs and public meetings on this topic!

Can you identify where this parking used to be in Souderton? Hint: look at the buildings across the tracks.

This is one of the historic photos we have scanned for our files. We are always looking to add to the collection!

We see them everyday so we lose the knack for really seeing them. The buildings along Main and Broad Streets and in the neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown are beautifully preserved. Walk down the streets and look at how well kept and preserved they are.

They tell a story. That is what a national historic district does.  It points out how our buildings tell the story of our community.

Private funding has enable the committee to hire Keystone Preservation Group to begin the process of documenting and photographing the buildings in the proposed district. They will also be making any necessary recommendations to any adjustment needed to the boundaries.

Once they have completed the documentation and the nomination has been accepted by PHMC, Keystone Preservation Group will hold a public meeting for property owners within the proposed historic district to understand the history of their community, get information about the National Register and Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit (RITC) program, ask questions, and become acquainted with the listing process. Watch the local newspapers and this website for details. Looking at the timetable, that public meeting will most likely be held in September to assure a good attendance.

Take a moment to download the original map of the proposed Souderton Historic District from the list below and a fact sheet that outlines the process, the direct and indirect benefits and debunks rumours.

The Design Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm at the Souderton-Telford Main Streets office at 18 Green Street in Souderton. If you have question or would like to participate in the process, please join the committee.

Learn more about National Historic Districts from these sites:

National Register of Historic Places

National Register of Historic Places FAQ

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania