Historic Preservation

Alma's National Historic District Designation

Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes and other artifacts of historic significance.  The City of Alma has formally sought to preserve its history since 1982 when it was designated a National Historic District and they formed the Historical Preservation Advisory Commission.

NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

In 1982, 346 acres and over 200 buildings were included in the designation of the City of Alma as a National Historic District when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

The Alma Historic District is roughly bounded by railroad tracks, 2nd Street, Swift Street and Cedar Street. 

Three periods of significance in Alma's building history were recognized:

• 1850-1874
• 1875-1899
• 1900-1924

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)  

NRHP is the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.  Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources.  

Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION

IN THE ALMA HISTORIC DISTRICT

All building permit applications in the City of Alma's Historic District must be presented to the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee for approval.  The Commission meets the last week of each month if a building permit application has been submitted.