City of Rochester Historic District Commission Design Guidelines

From introduction: "The City of Rochester has a very deep history evident in its collection of historic 19th century buildings. Best known for its industrial heritage around the turn of the 20th century, the waterways and the railroad pushed development of the town and made way for successful manufacturing jobs. In 1983 the National Park Service added the “Rochester Commercial and Industrial District” to the National Register of Historic Places. This high honor is reserved for communities with numerous important historic buildings that together represent a specific period of significance, and qualifies historic properties within the District to apply for a federal tax credit for income producing properties. Historic preservation is not a one-size-fits all practice. There are guiding principles established by the federal government but it is up to local communities to determine the appropriate preservation approach in their town. Rochester is at a turning point in its history: jobs and new construction are located outside of the historic downtown, vacancies rates are high, and the majority of historic buildings along North Main Street and Hanson Street are on the tipping point of rehabilitation on versus demolition. Peel away the veneer, replace vinyl windows, and restore commercial storefronts and it is clear that Rochester’s historic character is comparable to other thriving historic downtowns in New England. With some guidance, grit, and rehabilitation, the Historic District will have a renaissance that draws in new businesses, residents and visitors." Project funding was provided in part by a 2017 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Rochester (project number NH-17-028) administered by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (grant number P17AF00052) and the State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Rochester, New Hampshire is a Certified Local Government.

City of Rochester Historic District Commission Design Guidelines

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