Myths vs. Facts
There are many misconceptions about historic preservation and historic districts. We address several of them here.
Myth: Property values are frozen or reduced when historic districts are created.
Fact: The value of property tends to rise in areas that undergo historic preservation.
Myth: Historic preservation prevents diversity.
Fact: Historic districts promote community and inclusiveness through a range of housing, accessible public transit, and strong social infrastructure, such as churches, parks, schools, and community groups.
Myth: New construction is better.
Fact: The quality of materials and the craftsmanship simply no longer exist.
Myth: Tearing down old buildings and replacing them with new ones, such as multiplexes, results in more affordable housing.
Fact: The least expensive and greenest house or apartment building is one that already exists. The combined cost of purchase, demolition, and construction makes new unsubsidized development prohibitively expensive.
Myth: Replacing old houses is less expensive than preserving them.
Fact: False! The return on investment on renovation is much higher than new construction.
Myth: Historic preservation makes housing unaffordable.
Fact: The opposite is true. The mix of housing found in most historic neighborhoods like Jefferson Westside increases the likelihood that an area will include affordable housing.
Myth: Historic preservation means keeping a house exactly how it was when it was built.
Fact: Incorrect! Historic preservation means maintaining an area’s character, not returning structures to their original form. Any work on a structure that requires a building permit undergoes a review by the city’s planning department to assure that the work aligns with the district’s overall aesthetics. This is a collaborative process between the local planning office and the property owner. Similarly, new buildings are evaluated for compatibility and overall fit with the neighborhood, but do not need to represent a specific architectural style. Preservation is about character – homes have always evolved over time – and that is part of the historical context.
Myth: Historic districts exclude middle housing.
Fact: Much of so-called middle housing is itself historic, as is true in the JWN. Many larger older homes have been converted to multifamily dwellings. Oregon law prohibits excluding middle housing in historic districts.
Myth: Historic districts restrict property rights.
Fact: In Oregon, historic districts require added review for exterior work with the homeowner making the final decision. Education and celebration of our historic heritage are the goals.
Additional myths addressed by many sources, including: