Design Guidelines for City of Wichita Falls Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts (Final)

Hardy Heck Moore, Inc.

From purpose and goals: "Wichita Falls has a diverse and rich history, with its story best told by examples of the past – buildings, churches, homes, gathering places – which show the struggles and triumphs of people who have lived here. These places make our city unique, and, when carefully preserved, they are an attraction to visitors and a source of community pride. The best of our past, properly preserved, offers the greatest hope for enriching our future. Recognizing this fact, in 1978 the Wichita Falls City Council enacted a Historic Preservation Ordinance and created the Design Review Commission, later referred to as the Landmark Commission. The Landmark Commission is composed of a representative group of citizens with a keen interest in historic preservation appointed by the City Council and acts to ensure that the provisions of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Review Guidelines are upheld. The Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines intend to provide recognition for those historic resources determined to be eligible to be designated as “Wichita Falls Landmarks” or historic districts, and to protect them from inappropriate alterations, destruction, and demolition. To this end, ANY proposed EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS either to a designated historic landmark or to a structure within a designated historic district must be reviewed by the City of Wichita Falls Landmark Commission and obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to any alteration. As set forth by the City of Wichita Falls Historic Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance No. 92-2003), the purpose and goals of historic preservation are as follows: (1) Identify, provide protection for, and perpetuate historic landmarks which represent distinctive and important elements of the city’s, state’s and nation’s past, and develop appropriate settings for them. (2) Strengthen the economy of the city by stabilizing and improving property values. (3) Protect and enhance the quality of neighborhoods. (4) Protect and enhance the city’s attraction to tourists and visitors, providing stimulus to business and industry. (5) Conserve resources and save on construction costs. (6) Reinforce community identity and foster civic pride in the appearance of the city and in the accomplishments of the past." Funding was provided in part by a 2010 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Wichita Falls (project number TX-10-025) administered by the Texas State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 48-10-21950) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Wichita Falls, Texas is a Certified Local Government.

Design Guidelines for City of Wichita Falls Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts (Final)

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