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Message from the Chair
It is my privilege once again to introduce the Annual Report for the City of Mansfield’s Historic Landmark Commission.
We have seen many achievements for the City of Mansfield, its citizens, and historic preservation since our last report. This year the City began offering tax incentives to owners who make improvements to historic landmarks. Grant money may also be available to protected buildings whose owners seek to make improvements and/or repairs. These financial incentives will help the property owners to revitalize their properties for the long-term betterment of the city and citizens. By preserving these resources, future generations will see and understand the history of Mansfield.
One of the most outstanding accomplishments we facilitated was to bring both of Mansfield’s historic cemeteries into one Historic Overlay District. While the two cemeteries remain separate in ownership, this cooperative designation allows the community to recognize all of Mansfield residents from past years and celebrate the unity. The designation of this District is one of the things of which I am most proud.
Historic Preservation Month was again a successful event. Led by our vice-Chairman David Littlefield and Commissioners Mark Walker and Tom Leach, more citizens participated in our many events this year than in prior years. This team of dedicated Commissioners is already working hard to make the 2023 event even bigger and better.
The HLC recognized 13 historic properties at the May Preservation Day event, and we surprised one couple when they learned that they own a historic property. They immediately applied for historic overlay protection. That was a win for all of us.
I invite anyone who owns a property that may be eligible to apply for historic overlay protection so that you can take advantage of the benefits available.
Historic preservation is about so much more than old buildings and stories. It is the thread that binds us together through the years, true, but it is also a driver of economic development, increased sales tax revenue, and a way to move older neighborhoods from decay to vigorous growth. Historic preservation is good for all of us.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the city staff, Art Wright, Jennifer Johnston, and the City Council for working diligently to preserve the heritage of Mansfield for current and future citizens. As always, serving with these fine people is a highlight.
Robert A. Smith, O.D., Chairman Historic Landmark Commission
Coordinated by the Commission’s Preservation Month Subcommittee and with the help of staff and volunteers, Mansfield hosted several preservation events to showcase our city’s unique history during May 2022. \May events were held downtown at the Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center, the Man House Museum and the Mansfield Library. Some of the highlights include: • MISD students participated in a Historic
Poster Contest with the winning entries displayed at the Library. • Guided walking tours of Historic Mansfield were offered each weekend in May. • Live demonstrations of life in the 1800s were presented at the Man House Museum. • The Historic Recognition Day ceremony was held at the Mansfield Historical
Museum on May 8 to honor the owners of 15
Officially Recognized historic properties.
Below: City Council proclaims Historic Preservation Month 2022
Right, from top to bottom: participants learn how to quilt at the Man House Museum; Historic Downtown walking tours; entries from the MISD Historic Poster Contest displayed at the Mansfield Library; participants learn how to make oral histories in the History How To session at the Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center.
