Design Review Handbook, Jerome, Arizona, a National Historic Landmark

Smith, Nancy; Jamison, Dempsey

From introduction: "Jerome got a new life through the recognition of its rich history by visitors from all over the world. Residents and daily visitors have long felt the significance of this small community. In 1977 the Town adopted the present Zoning Ordinance which established a Historic Overlay District consisting of the entire Town limits. To quote from Section 511: "The purpose of the Historic Overlay District (HOD) is to preserve and protect the historical quality and the distinctive architectural character of the Town of Jerome since Jerome's economic and environmental well-being depends exclusively upon its distinctive character, natural attractiveness, and overall architectural quality which contribute substantially to its viability as a recreation and tourist center and which contributed to its designation as a National Historic Landmark. The exterior designs of proposed new buildings and structures, proposed alterations of buildings and structures, landscaping plans, proposed signs, and proposed demolition of buildings and structures within the HOD shall be reviewed by the Design Review Board in accordance with the provisions of Section 304 of the Ordinance to ensure that all new development is compatible with the surrounding environment." In 1981 the Town of Jerome adopted the TOWN OF JEROME COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION SURVEY. This plan states: "The historic character, scenery, buildings, and views of Jerome must be preserved in order to maintain the Town as a tourist attraction. This will involve an active effort on the part of citizens and the Town to restore historic structures, to renovate and reuse buildings in a manner consistent with their character, to take all possible steps to prevent the removal of important buildings, and to ensure that all future development is consistent with the historic character and desired image of the Town. Tourists must be provided with buildings, townscapes, and scenery which they can view and photograph, must be provided with pleasant places to sit, talk, and picnic, and must be provided with interesting information on Jerome and its history." The Design Review Board was created to oversee the preservation of the external characteristics of Jerome and its structures. "Design review is intended to enrich the lives of all the citizens of Jerome by promoting harmonious, attractive, and compatible development, and is therefore considered to be in furtherance of the general welfare." - Section 304 Zoning Ordinance." Funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Design Review Handbook, Jerome, Arizona, a National Historic Landmark

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