Historic Preservation 

Note: This map is interactive. Click on individual landmark icons, the Local Historic District boundary, or National Register District boundary for additional information.

Historic Preservation Map Legend

Recent Updates - Davidson Historic Preservation Plan Adopted

The Davidson Historic Preservation Plan was adopted by the Board of Commissioners at their January 24, 2023 regular meeting. The final plan and appendices may be found www.townofdavidson.org/historicpreservationplan.  

  1. Local Historic District 
  2. Historic Landmarks
  3. National Register Historic District

Background

The Town of Davidson continues to explore the expansion of its local historic district, with a goal of preserving and protecting more historically significant structures. The current local historic district includes the two to three blocks that comprise downtown, parts of the historic college campus, and extends to North Main Street. While a large portion of "old" Davidson is located within a National Register District, it is the smaller local historic district which contains the legal provisions to protect historic properties and guide historically sensitive repairs and construction within its boundaries.

What is a Local Historic District?

 A local historic district is a zoning overlay that is an amendment to the planning ordinance and must be approved by the Davidson Board of Commissioners. Local Historic Districts are created to protect and conserve the heritage and character of the Town of Davidson. Owners of property in the local historic district are required to receive approval for many exterior changes in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Applications for COA's are reviewed by the Davidson Historic Preservation Commission for compliance with the Davidson Historic District Design Guidelines 

Last year, the town hired historic district expert Mary Ruffin Hanbury of Hanbury Preservation Consulting to determine which neighborhoods are appropriate for local historic district designation. Following public input sessions and a windshield survey that took place this summer, the consultant provided a draft local historic district designation report for a portion of the existing National Register District on North Main Street, known as the North Main Street Extension of the Davidson Local Historic District. The draft report was reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office in October 2019. The Davidson Historic Preservation Commission voted to accept the designation report for the North Main Street Extension of the Davidson Local Historic District at their November 2019 regular meeting. In order for the district expansion to be adopted, it must follow the map amendment (i.e. rezoning) process. This process will include additional public input, a recommendation from the Planning Board, a public hearing, and final approval by the Board of Commissioners.   

Benefits of Local Historic District Designation

 Local historic districts protect the investments of owners and residents of historic properties. Insensitive or poorly planned development can make an area less attractive to investors and homebuyers, and thus undermine property values. In contrast, in a local historic district, historic district design guidelines and review by the Historic Preservation Commission of substantial changes to a property encourages people to buy and rehabilitate properties because they know their investment is protected over time. The Historic Preservation Commission also has the authority to delay demolition of a structure for up to one year, giving the town, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Landmarks Commission, or another entity the ability to purchase and protect the property.

Properties within local historic districts generally appreciate at rates greater than the local market overall, as well as faster than similar, non-designated neighborhoods. Findings on this point are consistent across the country. Moreover, recent analysis shows that historic districts are also less vulnerable to market volatility from interest rate fluctuations and economic downturns.

Contact

 Please email historicpreservation@townofdavidson.org with any questions.

Preservation Resources

Davidson Historic District Guidelines 

  • Minor vs. Major Works List (Adopted 11/17/2021): Minor projects may be approved by staff and do not require review by the full Historic Preservation Commission.

Key Steps in the Certificate of Appropriateness Process

Davidson Historic Preservation Commission

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office

Preservation North Carolina

Preserve Mecklenburg Inc.