Consultant outlines mid‑century survey for Penny Acres and Fairview Heights

Jamie Dustafano, a senior architectural historian with Environmental Corporation of America, told the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission on March 10 that fieldwork for a grant‑funded survey of the Penny Acres and Fairview Heights neighborhoods wrapped up the previous day and that the team photographed properties from the public right of way.

Dustafano said the project will produce a comprehensive inventory with addresses, parcel IDs, construction dates and house form/type; every property at least 40 years old will be documented on the Alabama Historical Commission survey form. "We'll first compile that comprehensive inventory of all properties within these subdivisions," she said, describing plans for contextual historical research, archived newspaper clippings and subdivision plats to inform the final report.

Why it matters: the inventory will identify properties that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, information the city can use for grant prioritization and federal review in the event of projects that require Section 106 review. Dustafano said the consultant will include photographs, an architectural context report, and a rating of exterior historic integrity (low, moderate, good or high) for each surveyed property; she told the commission she expects to return in September with a PowerPoint and representative photos.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether National Register recognition would place restrictions on homeowners. Commission staff clarified the distinction between the National Register and local designation: "The National Register is strictly an honorary designation. It in no way puts any restrictions on your property," a staff speaker said, adding that any local historic district or design review process would be a separate, owner‑driven process that typically requires a high level of property‑owner support to proceed.

The consultant requested residents’ help locating historic photographs and oral histories to enrich the documentation. Staff said the commission will consider, by the June meeting, whether to ask the state for additional funds to expand the survey area; any expansion remains contingent on available grant money.

Next steps: the consultant will deliver electronic survey forms and photographs to the city, continue archival research, and present findings to the commission in September. Residents with historic materials were asked to contact the consultant or staff.