Historic Preservation

Greensboro is a community rich with history. Founded in 1808, the City is celebrating its bicentennial this year.  Greensboro has been touched by almost every period of American history. From General Nathanael Greene and the battle of Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781 to the start of the Civil Rights sit-in movement at Woolworth's on February 1, 1960. Today, the way residents can learn, experience, and understand Greensboro's history is through the preservation of historic sites, buildings, and neighborhoods.

The City of Greensboro's Historic Preservation Program is the municipal clearinghouse for preservation related activities in the city. The program's most significant contribution is the protection of properties within local historic districts and providing administrative support to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC oversees the City's Historic District Program and advises the City Council on historic preservation matter. The commission is responsible for maintaining Greensboro's inventory of historic resources. A comprehensive update of the City's historic architecture is currently underway. 

The department employs two preservation planners who review Community Development and other federally funded projects to ensure that Federal Section 106 historic preservation standards are met.

In this section of the Department of Housing and Community Development's website, residents can find out about federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, the National Register of Historic Places, and financial assistance such as the Architectural Salvage Restoration Fund through Preservation Greensboro Incorporated.  HCD staff are also responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in Greensboro's Comprehensive Plan in the area of historic preservation and cultural heritage.

For additional information on organizations promoting Historic Preservation activities, explore these links:

National Trust for Historic Preservation
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
Preservation Greensboro, Inc.
Preservation North Carolina, Inc.

Contacts: 

Mike Cowhig, Executive Secretary of the Historic Preservation Commission
(336) 373-2755

Stefan-leih Geary, Preservation Planner
(336) 412-6300

Email