PALESTINE, Texas (April 27, 2016) – Information about the City of Palestine’s Historic Preservation program is now online in an easier-to-read and follow format.
Residents and visitors can now click on the city’s website, www.cityofpalestinetx.com, and find detailed information on how to restore and maintain one of the many historic homes in the city of Palestine. Palestine has the second-largest number of surveyed and identified historic resources in the state of Texas.
“Thanks to the website updates, it is easier for current as well as potential residents, property owners, tourists, and investors to find information about the City of Palestine’s Historic Preservation Program,” Historic Preservation Officer Jacob Morris said.  “Especially with the new 25 percent state historic preservation tax credit for rehabilitations to historic income-producing properties, there is increased interest amongst potential investors in towns like Palestine because of the unusually high number of affordable historic buildings.”
While online, visitors can view a map of historical properties designated by the city’s Historical Landmarks Commission and the city’s four Historic Districts. Visitors can also learn about information and the regulations required for that home.
“Design guidelines were created to protect and preserve the integrity of historical properties,” Historic Landmarks Commission Chairperson Julie Abston said. “When a district is established, and these guidelines are in place, these properties are a good investment and the values of the properties increase. They also enable a home or business owner to be able to obtain assistance with restoration or repair of a property. Historical districts are a living interpretation of a past era which can be passed onto future generations.”
According to Morris, tourists also request information on historic homes and buildings in Palestine. The added information on the city’s website will make information easier to obtain.
“According to the most recent University of Texas and Rutgers joint economic impact study, 10 percent of all travel in Texas is heritage tourism, generating $2.26 billion per year in Texas,” Morris said. “It also benefits local property making it easier for local to find information that applies to their historic resource.”
The website also provides resources on materials and design elements of many historic properties in Palestine, including how to maintain and improve the property.
“My office is always happy to help property owners with their historic property, whether it be help finding incentives for rehabilitation, help them become familiar with best practices that result in long-lasting and affordable repairs, or how to identify and conserve the character-defining features that make their historic property unique,” Morris said.
Morris can be reached via email at jmorris@palestine-tx.org or via phone at 903-731-8419. The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission meets at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Palestine City Hall, 504 N. Queen St.