September 11th 2012
Pressure to increase housing density in the city is increasing as D.C.'s population expansion continues. The utilitarian value of alleys is becoming increasingly recognized in this city and others, putting many small historic buildings like former stables and blacksmith shops and bicycle repair shops in danger of being razed without a second thought. This has already happened in Naylor Court and Blagden Alley despite recognition of the value of the collection of these historic buildings through the National Register of Historic Places. The Office of Planning is doing a survey of all of the major alleys in Washington and uncovering many hidden gems. Today National Trust lawyer Rob Nieweg (bio below) answered questions online through the Washington Post through the editorial guidance of Kathy Orton. The invitation for participation at the Washington Post is shown below.
Submit a question for the online chat on historic preservation and The Post’s Historic Home Contest
The Washington metro region has an abundance of historic homes — including everything from Georgian to Arts and Crafts, from Mid-century Modern to Farmhouse Vernacular, and from Federal style to International style — many of which have been lovingly restored to showcase their character-defining features.
Read more about the solid stock of historic gems in this area and view a photo gallery of the many architectural styles.
Rob Nieweg, the Washington field officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will answer your questions about historic preservation on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. The Washington Post Real Estate editors will also join the chat to discuss the Historic Home Contest.
***
HUMANIZING
THE USE OF D.C. ALLEYS
AND PROTECTING HISTORIC
SMALL BUILDINGS SUCH AS STABLES.
Q.
(1) What "real
protection" does being named to the National Register of Historic Places
confer on a collection of properties such as the stables in Naylor Court and
Blagden Alley (accepted in 1990)? How do residents harness this protection?
(2) With a height restriction in a
city that is only twelve miles wide, increasing living density in the city is
refocussing discussions on the increased use of the many named alleys in
Washington and their small buildings. How does the concept of a
"mews" as a mix of commercial, residential and pedestrian activities
enter the conversation of urban planning and historic preservation?
A.
ROB
NIEWEG :
Thanks for your question. In
a nutshell, the National Register of Historic Places is a well-documented list
of the historic resources which are worthy of preservation. It's largely
honorific. On the other hand, under federal law, historic properties
listed on the National Register (or eligible for listing) receive a measure of
protection through what's called "Section 106 review." It's a technical
process, but one that's worth understanding if an historic place you value may
be impacted by a federal undertaking. Are the properties you
mention threatened?
RESPONSE
TO Q #1
In response to the first question,
the buildings are not threatened by federal undertakings. They are simply at
risk of demolition by developers who mistake or misrepresent carriage houses
and stables for garages and tear them down. The value in the properties
mentioned is in the collection rather than the strength of the individual small
buildings. They are getting "picked of" one at a time.
A.
ROB
NIEWEG :
Understood. In this sort of
situation, National Register listing would help raise awareness of the value of
the buildings. Raise awareness and galvanize support for
preservation.
However, designation pursuant to a
local law, like DC's preservation ordinance, would provide legal protection for
the historic buildings. Many such local ordinances have "teeth"
and would require that the property owner must secure advance approval from an
expert commission before demolishing a historic building.
Q.
Q#1 PART
2
(a) Thank you for expanding on the issue
of legal protection of threatened historic properties. It's also good that the
DC Historic Preservation Office has a lawyer dedicated to issues such as this.
(b) Can you please share your thoughts about the second part of my original
question that relates to the concept of "mews"?
A.
ROB
NIEWEG :
As for the place of the historic
mews in a changing city, I'd offer two thoughts. First, these special
places contribute to the unique historic character of DC. Wouldn't be the
same place without them. Second, even with the push for more density, the
District's mews provide special opportunities for small-scale housing units.
Either way, the local community shouldn't lose its character without a good
deal of careful planning (or, if necessary, a fight).
– September 11, 2012
1:54 PM
I'd recommend that you and your
allies should contact the National Trust's Forum Reference Desk via FORUM@nthp.org
to share more background information regarding your preservation
campaign. Perhaps we can lend a hand.
Thanks everyone for your good
questions. And, thanks to The Washington Post for continuing coverage of
preservation issues. Historic preservation has come a long way in recent years,
and now has important roles to play in the social, educational, and economic
lives of our community. I urge you to support your local, state, and national
historic preservation organizations.
***
Rob Nieweg
Rob Nieweg is
the Field Director & Attorney for the National Trust for Historic
Preservation's Washington Field Office, which works to save historic resources
in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. He has
worked as a preservation advocate since 1989, when he directed Landmark West, a
citizens group working to preserve Manhattan's Upper West Side. Since joining
the staff of the National Trust in 1995, Rob has worked to preserve historic
places and strengthen the grass-roots preservation movement in Montana, South
Dakota, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and
Virginia - his home state. Rob Nieweg holds a BA in history from Vassar College
and an MS in historic preservation from Columbia University. He is a graduate
of the University at Buffalo Law School and a member of the New York State Bar.
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