Paper Hearts and Paper Airplanes

Paper... Lots and lots of paper...

Discussions: check
Arguments: CHECK
Pros: Identified
Cons: Identified

Decision: Unanimous...

We're applying for inclusion with the Local, State, and National historic register. Why? Because the mansion qualifies for all three and as such it would be wise for us to have this incredible bit of architectural history recognized and included where she rightfully belongs.

Yes... That means that the historical integrity of the exterior will be under extreme scrutiny as far as color and repair. Like I always say, 'don't threaten me with a good time'. We have always been bound and determined to restore the Greensfelder to utmost accuracy. Unfortunately we may never know her original colors, but we certainly know it wasn't this asphalt siding garbage that currently makes her look so dark and drab. She needs life and color - and she'll receive it in accordance to historic color palettes.

Know what else is awesome? Tax credits to help offset the cost of restoration. There's so many benefits to doing this, I'm not really sure why we didn't immediately jump to go through the process before hand. Perhaps because of the amazing amount of misinformation that is floating around about the details and the involvement the government has in the ultimate decision making process regarding changes and the like.

We get it. Certificate of Appropriateness hearings SOUND scary - but guess what... They're not. Your local Historic Preservation Commission is so not the enemy. They're not there to make your lives a living hell as you go through the process. What they're there for is to let you know that you're on the right path with your endeavors to restore a historical property. They're not demanding museum quality restoration, they're ascertaining the historical appropriateness of your plans and then giving you options that may be more cost effective and easier in cases of window replacements, siding etc. 

For instance, they may turn down your quest for vinyl siding, and instead suggest hardy board on the grounds that it looks far more appearing and is better for your property in the long run. No one wants to lose details integral to the architectural history of the building, and that's the goal with preservation. 

Another example: You probably won't have your desire for hot pink shutters and purple glitter fish scaling approved. We all like to be a little bit fancy, but your local HPC will find better alternatives and makes suggestions based upon that in order to keep your house's historical integrity preserved, and the entire neighborhood happy (We all know that one house in our towns that everyone pokes fun of because of quirky/crazy paint work. Don't be that house.)

What the HPC is not going to do is police you. They're not going to drive by and flip out and issue a weird citation because they don't like your window treatments, plants, patio furniture, welcome mat, mailbox, and choice of family dog... Or anything else for that matter.

Best part? You can decorate the interior of your home as you please. Daughter wants posters of the latest heart throb plastered all over her walls? No problem... At least not where the HPC is concerned. They get it. People, and families, live in these homes. While they're historical, they're still creating and generating history by hosting families throughout the ages. Music from the late 80s and early 90s is now turning up on "Oldies" stations, and while none of us ever thought that the Backstreet Boys would ever be historical... Guess what... It's bound to happen. History transcends the ages and someday soon, those horrible posters of boy band members and scantily clad pop princesses pouting at the camera will be considered collectible antiques. 

Try not to gag too hard.

Regardless, history is a beautiful thing and the Greensfelder is a wonderful part of it and as such deserves to be remembered. Pray for us as we navigate all the paperwork associated.