Public Hearing Set for Proposed Local Historic District in Milan

After eight years of study, the City of Milan is proposing the creation of a local historic district including 34 commercial properties and six residential properties in the city’s downtown. The area was designated a National Register Historic District in 1999. 

A public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 27 at Milan City Hall to provide additional information and give affected property owners and residents an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns.

Fred Wertz, chair of the Historic District Study Committee, said the designation could make property owners eligible for grants similar to those available in Saline through its local historic district. The downtown’s existing national historic district designation is honorary and does not include grant opportunities.

The local designation would establish a regulatory review process for exterior changes to buildings. 

“Property owners would have to apply for [certificates] of appropriateness,” Wertz said.

The designation would not affect interior modifications.

The proposed district is intended to build on downtown revitalization efforts that have been underway since 2010.

According to materials prepared by the committee, advantages could include protecting property values, encouraging tourism, reducing construction waste by preserving existing buildings, and making qualifying rehabilitation projects eligible for state and federal historic tax credits.

The proposed district would include properties built from 1845 to 1962, extending the existing National Register Historic District to include mid-century buildings including the post office. Architectural styles represented in the district are Italianate-style, Late Victorian, Commercial Brick, early to mid-20^th century vernacular and International Style.

Following the public hearing July 27, the Historic District Study Committee will meet July 29 to discuss public feedback and determine its next steps.

Cover Photo by Karen Lambert