Historic Preservation Resources

  • Design Guidelines - Downtown: These guidelines were adopted in conjunction with the designation of a portion of downtown as a local historic district. They provide a set of criteria for the evaluation of proposed changes to the exterior of properties within the local Downtown Historic District.
  • Design Guidelines - General: This document describes the design guidelines for additions, new construction, and other exterior changes to properties in local historic districts.
  • Design Guidelines - Milledge: These guidelines were adopted specifically for the Milledge Avenue Local Historic District and the local landmark properties within that district. Written and visual explanations are provided along with information on the approval procedures for various projects and types of work.
  • Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation: This study by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources explores the financial impact of preservation on three Georgia communities: Athens, Rome, and Tifton. The project examines construction activity in historic districts, property values and tourism, and illustrates how preservation is helping cities and towns throughout Georgia.
  • Historic District Maps: Maps of the boundaries of each local historic district. Interactive map of local historic districts
  • Historic District Types - Local vs. National Districts: There are a number of differences between historic designation types, including the protections afforded to the property’s historic resources, the financial resources available, and the organizations responsible for overseeing designations. This document offers a brief explanation of the distinctions.
  • Historic Preservation in Athens: A brief summary of the historic development of Athens and the creation of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Commission.
  • Infill Housing Study: This study of infill housing issues in Athens-Clarke County examines design characteristics that can contribute to or detract from the compatibility of new housing in older, traditional neighborhoods. Strategies to achieve harmonious new single-family residential development are examined, including current policies and ordinances as well as potential tools. Architectural drawings for one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom / duplex infill houses. You can also view architectural notes for these drawings here. The study is also broken into three downloadable parts at a higher resolution: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
  • Local Historic District Designation: This brochure seeks to share basic insights about the historic designation process and what the impact might be for property owners and residents, if approved. 
  • National Register Database: The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.
  • Overview of Historic Districts and Landmarks: A question and answer guide about Athens-Clarke County’s local historic districts, designed as an informational brochure with citizen education needs in mind.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION GROUPS

  • Historic Athens: Historic Athens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to celebrate and conserve community heritage in Athens, Georgia. For over 50 years, we have worked to improve historic preservation and heritage conservation in the Athens area. Founded as Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation in 1967.
  • Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation: Mission - To work for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia's diverse historic resources and advocate their appreciation, protection and use.
  • Georgia Historic Preservation Division: Works in partnership with federal and state agencies, local governments, preservation organizations, community groups and individuals to achieve a greater appreciation and use of historic resources in the context of everyday life. Working at the state level, the Historic Preservation Division helps bring together national, regional and local interests to support community and economic development throughout Georgia. Georgia's state preservation program encourages regional and local planning, neighborhood conservation, downtown revitalization, economic development, heritage tourism and archaeological site protection.
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation: The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities.
  • National Register of Historic Places: The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.