HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION’S

CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENTProposal

2020-2021

CITY OF BOWLING

GREEN

1888

Photos courtesy of “Images of America: Bowling Green” by Frederick N. Honneffer.

The Froney-Uhlman House, 1888 (courtesy CAC-BGSU)

The Hickox-Moore House, 1902 (courtesy WCPL)

The Hankey House, 1890 (courtesy Crystal City booklet)

Trolley Times, 1st arrived in 1902.(courtesy WCHS)

W. Wooster St.(courtesy CAC-BGSU)

Bowling Green’s Rich History• 1833-Community established by first settler, Elisha Martindale• 1834-Named “Bowling Green” by postal carrier Joseph Gordon (it is said Bowling

Green, Kentucky was his favorite City)• 1855-Incorporated, village status.• 1860-Project started to drain Great Black Swamp.• 1868- Construction began on new County Court House in Bowling Green. There

was a 10-year struggle between BG & Perrysburg as to which community was the county seat.

• 1887-Became known as “Crystal City” due to the influx of glass manufacturers (natural gas) and large population housing boom followed (“Boom Town”).

• 1901-Became a City after population topped 5,000.• 1910-Bowling Green State Normal College established & first classes held at

National Guard Armory.• 1929-City Park purchased. During the 1930’s, through the Works Progress

Administration, the pool, bath house and the stone wall were constructed.• 1935-College became Bowling Green State University.• 1972-Electorate adopts a Charter form of government which is implemented

over the next several years.

Historical Preservation Commission Primary Purpose

2019-2020

• To prepare materials necessary for becoming a Certified Local Government for Historic Preservation (HP Commission’s charge by former Mayor Edwards)

• To make recommendations to the Bowling Green City Council and to the State Historic Preservation Office for approval of a Certified Local Government.

• To enlist local community support and acceptance of the CLG Ordinance (proposed Chapter 158 Historic and Architectural Preservation Code).

Benefits for Historic Preservation and the CLG

• Fostering historic pride for our community

• Contributing to the quality of life

• Offering tax incentives and loans

• Protecting our neighborhoods and downtown

• Encouraging revitalization of our unique buildings and structures

• Promoting recognition and interest for local history

Key Points of the CLG Proposal

• What it doesn’t do

• Three things it will do

• Use of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards

• Limited “design guidelines”

• Majority votes for establishing historic districts

• Flexible interpretation of Standards

Thank you for your support!

HPC