Starkville is expected to begin a process that will place Oktibbeha Gardens on the National Register of Historic Places and recognize its historic significance.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History awarded the city a $5,000 grant in April for a historic resources survey and national register nomination for the district, which could span from east of North Montgomery Street, north to Critz Street and west toward Old West Point Road.
A memorandum of agreement between Starkville and MDAH is expected to come before the board of aldermen later this month, Community Development Director Buddy Sanders said, and the city could begin requesting proposals for services, which are estimated at about $10,000.
MDAH Historic Resources Specialist Barry White said the U.S. Department of the Interior could sign off on the designation by next summer at the latest.
The Oktibbeha Gardens district would be the city’s first such area noted for its post-World War 2 homes.
“Basically, the magic number for us is 50 years. That’s what we consider historic,” he said. “We note the continuity of design, the area’s architectural features and their contributions to the historic nature of the area. It’s nice that Starkville recognizes the importance of the neighborhood.”
The city has two locally areas — Nash Street and Greensboro Street — designated as historic districts. Unlike locally designated areas, nationally recognized historic districts do not require residents to seek permission from the city for changes and augmentations to their properties.
A third district encompassing the Overstreet area was proposed but not approved.
Tax breaks are available to income-producing property owners looking to make renovations that fall under historic guidelines, but MDAH officials said they’re hopeful state lawmakers will provide similar compensation for homeowners.
The Starkville Historic Preservation Commission discussed the ongoing process Wednesday during a special-call meeting but took no action on the matter.
HPC members are expected to team up with the Greater Starkville Development Partnership to develop design recommendations for Main Street business owners in the future, but the suggestions will not be mandated by city code.
Those suggestions could include color schemes for buildings, sign types and designs and other aesthetic recommendations to help the area maintain its fit and feel, GSDP Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Gregory said Wednesday.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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