West Palm Beach & Historic Preservation
The City of West Palm Beach has been involved in Historic Preservation
since 1988, when a survey of the historical and architectural resources
was conducted. Since then, The City has developed a progressive historic
preservation program. This includes the adoption of a Historic Preservation
Ordinance, Participation in the Florida Certified Local Government Program,
the designation of sixteen (16) historic Districts amounting to over 3,200
properties, and an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program. In 1991, Old Northwood
was adopted as the City's first historic district. The City's historic
districts have a unique character that they wish to maintain for future
generations.
Benefits of Designation
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program
On February 14, 1994, the City Commission of West Palm Beach approved an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program for properties listed in the National or West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places as an individual historic property or a contributing property in a historic district. This program allows the exemption of up to 100% of the assessed value of the improvements (interior or exterior) to historic properties resulting from renovation, restoration or rehabilitation of such properties. The Preconstruction Application for proposed work must be approved by the Historic Preservation Board prior to commencement of any improvements. The work must be completed within two (2) years of application approval. The improvements must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The exemption remains in effect for up to ten (10) years regardless of change in ownership, if the historic character of the property is maintained throughout the exemption period. This is not only a financial benefit to the owner, but could be used as a selling point should the property be sold in the future.
Federal Tax Credits
This program is only available for income producing Certified Historic Properties that are individually listed or listed as a contributing property to a designated district in the National or Local Register. Property owners can claim up tp a 20% tax credit on the cost of rehabilitation. It is administered through the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources.
Property Protection
Historic neighborhoods have a unique character. This
character may be related to the architecture, method of construction,
vegetation, and/or other special attribute. When an area becomes a historic
district, these characteristics are protected along with the architectural
characteristics.
In order to ensure the protection of historic sites and districts, properties
listed in the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places are subject
to review before building permits are issued for exterior alterations.
This does not mean that a property owner cannot alter the property. The
Historic Preservation Division will review any exterior alterations to
a property to ensure that the architectural integrity and distinct characteristics
are kept intact. Staff also provides construction alternatives that may
help to improve the design and increase/maintain property values. General
maintenance which entails using like materials does not require additional
review by the Historic Preservation Board.
West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places
The West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places is a listing of locally
designated buildings and districts significant to the City of West Palm
Beach.
Historic Sites
Seaboard Airline Station
Garrison House
Pleasants House
Professional Building
City of West Palm Beach Water Plant
American National Bank Building
Halsey House
Van Valkenburg House
Wax House
Guaranty Building
First Presbyterian Church
Dacamara House
Woodlawn Cemetery Gate
Palm Beach Cadillac Company
West Palm Beach Fishing Club
Sadler House
Ferndix Building
Bullock House
George House
Hurricane of 1928, Mass Burial Site
927 Paseo Andorra House
Gordon House
Wilkinson House
Evergreen Cemetery
Rogers House
Palm Beach Junior College Building
Temple Beth Israel
Harvey Building
First Presbyterian Church
Arc-Rib Building
Florida Health Lab Building
Historic Districts
Old Northwood Historic District
Northboro Park Historic District
El Cid Historic District
West Northwood Historic District
Belair Historic District
Flamingo Park Historic District
Prospect Park/Southland Park Historic District
Northwest Historic District
Central Park Historic District
Grandview Heights Historic District
Mango Promenade Historic District
Clematis Street Historic Commercial District
St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church District
Northwood Hills Historic District
Northwood Harbor Historic District
Vedado Park Historic District
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places was created in 1966 to preserve and protect the unique heritage of the United States. The Secretary of the Interior was given the responsibility of maintaining a national register of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and culture.
Historic Sites
Seaboard Airline Station
Mickens House
Norton House
Old Palm Beach Junior College
Old West Palm Beach National Guard Armory
Palm Beach Mercantile Company
Hatch's Department Store
Clifton Rice House
Comeau Building
Professional Building
American National Bank Building
Guaranty Building
Ferndix Building
Van Valkenburg House
Comeau House
Pine Ridge Hospital
Hurricane of 1928, African-American Mass Burial Site
Historic Districts
Northwest Historic District
Old Northwood Historic District
El Cid Historic District
Clematis Street Historic Commercial District
Mango Promenade Historic District
Grandview Heights Historic District
Central Park Historic District
Flamingo Park Historic District
Northboro Park Historic District
