Historic District Commission urges expanded local protections and more funding to preserve Saginaw buildings

Alex Mixter, chair of the Historic District Commission, told the Planning Commission the HDC oversees exterior changes within locally designated historic districts and that a discrepancy exists between the 2022 master plan’s list (about 39 sites) and the HDC’s current local oversight (three districts and four buildings).

Mixter explained that National Register listing differs from local designation: the National Register provides recognition and access to a 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit but does not establish local design-review authority. He said the HDC wants to complete historic-district studies (including the Behringer Building and a corridor along Washington Avenue), close the gap between nationally identified sites and those locally protected, and provide more resources and outreach so property owners understand appropriate materials and rehabilitation standards.

The HDC chair described goals to be a resource to the city, reduce misunderstandings about allowable treatments on historic buildings, and to work more closely with other city partners including the DDA, land bank, SEDC and nonprofits to secure funding and pursue rehabilitation over demolition. He said the commission currently relies heavily on volunteers to research nominations and needs grant support to complete studies.

Ending: Commissioners discussed partnering across commissions to support preservation goals and acknowledged that identifying and protecting the city’s historic assets could drive broader redevelopment.