Questions commonly asked about the Criterion Group

Frequently asked questions about preservation

There are many common misunderstandings regarding the ease and economic viability of historic preservation.  Below are some typical questions regarding the Criterion group, preservation principles, techniques and pitfalls.  If you don't find the question or answer you're looking for, please feel free to e-mail the Criterion Group.  We will do our best to answer your questions, and are always looking for new additions to this page.

Answers to questions about the Criterion Group:

• Why is The Criterion Group important to Oklahoma City?
  
  Our organization is striving to serve as a catalyst to city-wide preservation efforts, working to stabilize and rebuild the inner city. We hope to change the way our citizens look at our neighborhoods. We see preservation as a tremendous opportunity inherited from our shared past and vital to the future prosperity of Oklahoma City.
  
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• Why should I be a member of The Criterion Group?
  
  A city is only as strong as the number of people committed to its future. We serve a wide audience from architects to students to homeowners. As a supporter of The Criterion Group, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of this community. But more importantly, you will be making a difference in its future.  Join today!
  
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Answers to preservation questions below:

• Isn’t historic preservation expensive?
  
  Generally, preservation is more about maintenance than restoration. If a property has been properly cared for over the years, then there are only typical maintenance costs to deal with. But if the property has become rundown then simple repairs and a few replacements may be all that is needed. It’s not necessary to replace all the windows if some still work. Repairs are usually a lot cheaper than replacements.
  
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• What are the economic benefits of historic preservation?
  
  Historic preservation revitalizes blighted and economically depressed neighborhoods. The ripple effect caused by quality preservation projects raises the property values of all neighboring properties.  Oklahoma City, like many cities, has experienced tens of millions of dollars in economic benefits from preservation.  HP infuses heritage tourism dollars into a community. And, historic preservation brings additional trades to the design and construction industries.
  
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• Shouldn’t we be building better, more energy efficient, "green" buildings, instead of restoring old energy "hogs"?
  
  Preserved historic structures are generally the ultimate in "green" buildings. By adaptively reusing old structures, we reduce the amount of energy and assets needed to create materials for the new structures that may replace them. Most historic structures are designed to passively heat and cool themselves, with high ceilings, southern exposures, and operating windows. More often than not, simply installing additional insulation and weatherstrip to a historic structure will drop those heating and cooling bills dramatically.
  
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• Don’t preservationists want to gentrify neighborhoods?
  
  No. Historic preservation is not just for the rich. It can be the key to improving the quality of life for our poorer citizens. Most historic neighborhoods have a variety of housing types from garage apartments to single family homes to apartment buildings. Preservationists maintain and embrace diversity, so people with a wide range of incomes can live within a single neighborhood.
  
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• Who regulates historic preservation in Oklahoma City?
  
  There are two levels of regulation in our city. If a project receives federal funds it must go through a Section 106 review by the State Historic Preservation Office. If a structure is located within a historic preservation zoned district, all exterior changes to the structure must be reviewed by the Oklahoma City Historical Preservation and Landmark Commission, staffed by the Oklahoma City Planning Department.
  
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• Who is the Preservation and Landmark Commission?
  
  They are a group of ten volunteers who are appointed by the mayor to serve three year terms. The Commission is composed of citizens and professionals such as real estate agents, architects, and planners who have an interest or training in historic preservation.
  
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• What is a historic preservation district?
  
  In Oklahoma City, historic preservation districts basically fall into two categories. They can be a National Register District, basically a recognition that the district is historically significant, or they can be a Historical Preservation or Historical Landmark District. These types are zoning districts, designated by City Council as an area that has special significance, and they are subject to design review when modifications are made to properties in the district.
  
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• How many historic preservation districts are there in Oklahoma City?
  
  At present there are 14 National Register Districts, and 10 Historical Preservation and Landmark Districts.
  
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• Are there more areas that could be considered historic preservation districts?
  
  It is estimated that there are more than 30 additional districts that could be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also estimated there are several hundred individual buildings outside of these areas that could be listed on the National Register.
  
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• What is the National Register?
  
  The National Register of Historic Places is a national list certifying that a property has significance in history, architecture, archaeology, or engineering. It provides only limited protection when a property is endangered by a federally funded or licensed action.
  
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• Doesn’t being on the National Register limit what you can do with your property?
  
  No. It does not restrict use of the property or require maintenance or require specific guidelines be followed. However, if you are using federal funds or receiving historic tax credits, specific guidelines must be followed. For more information on the National Register contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 405-521-6249.
  
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• Are there grants available to restore my old building?
  
  Probably not. There are very few ways for private property owners to get money to restore their properties. The most common way to help finance a restoration is by taking the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit, but it is only available for income producing properties, so it can’t be used on your own home. For more information on the tax credit, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 405-522-4479.
  
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