A Preservation Primer for Property Owners of Grapevine Historic Districts & LandmarksThe City of Grapevine has two Historic Districts and various historic landmarks throughout the City. If you are a current or prospective property owner of some of these buildings, there is some basic information to be aware of.
If you plan to make changes to the exterior of your home, business or investment property, or to its setting, this brochure will assist with the proper steps for beginning the work. Grapevine's residents enjoy the advantages of living in an older neighborhood protected from unsympathetic changes. The Historic Preservation Commission protects the rights and investments of property owners and business establishments through a design review process. By preserving and maintaining visual character, the HPC ensures that future generations will enjoy the benefits of Grapevine's rich architectural heritage.
What are the advantages of owning property in a historic district or an individual landmark?When you own property within a historic district, you have access to programs and architectural advice not available to other city residents. Included in your potential list of benefits are:
- Access to Grapevine Township Revitalization Program Grants to revitalize the exterior of your historic home.
- Access to HUD loan programs, which will allow you to purchase and rehabilitate a historic home in one mortgage.
- Tax credits which allow (commercial) restoration or rehabilitation costs to be deducted from your income taxes.
- Access to free architectural design assistance for proposed modifications to historic buildings.
- Greater increased property values (as compared to other non historic properties in the city).
How do I know if I own property in a designated historic district or landmark?The map shows the areas that are the Grapevine Commercial (Main Street), College Street Historic District and various individually designated properties. If your property is within this area, then you are in a historic district or landmark.
Is being designated a City of Grapevine Historic District or Landmark different from being listed on the National Register of Historic Places?Yes, The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings and sites of local, state or national importance. The program is administered by the National Park Service through the Texas Historical Commission. The National Register has no connection to the Historic Preservation Commission, although many of Grapevine's landmarks are also listed in the National Register. There is no review process for exterior changes to buildings in the National Register, unless the owner would like to take advantage of tax incentives made available through the Historic Preservation Tax Credits.
When was the district established?In 1991, the City of Grapevine adopted an ordinance that created the city's Historic Preservation Commission and a Historic District Zoning (H-overlay) category. This ordinance enabled the creation of historic districts and landmarks.
The purpose of this overlay category is to protect our rich, unique, cultural and architectural heritage. Since 1992, additional preservation ordinances have been adopted creating specific historic districts and landmarks in the city.
The Grapevine Commercial Historic District was adopted in July and October 1992. The College Street Historic District was adopted in November 1993.
How does being located in one of these historic districts affect me as a property owner? Can I still make changes to my property?A Grapevine Historic District or Landmark is a distinctive area or place of singular historical character in the City of Grapevine. Districts and landmarks are also a legacy, linking present and future generations with their heritage and providing a diversity of lifestyles vital for our city's future quality of life.
The Grapevine Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) serves the public both as a steward for these districts and as a facilitator to property owners of historic landmarks or in historic districts. It provides assistance, at no charge, to owners by helping them plan modifications they may be considering and guides owners through the application process necessary to implement those changes.
Yes, you can still make changes to your property. However, prior to any exterior alterations, demolition or new construction, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be approved. This is to ensure that proposed modifications be in keeping with the architectural character of the district or landmark and would include the following alterations:
- New exterior paint colors
- Changing doors and windows
- Signs
- Adding/removing siding
- Light fixtures
- Landscaping
- Demolition and new construction
How do I go about getting a Certificate of Appropriateness? Contact the City of Grapevine at (817) 410-3585 for an application.
Does the city provide any services to help residents with applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness?The City of Grapevine has a professional staff with specific experience in extensive preservation, construction and architectural expertise. These services are offered at no cost, to assist you with design choices in a historic district. Just call (817) 410-3585 for assistance.
Are there any programs available to help me with the cost of restoring my property?The City of Grapevine recognized the importance of restoring and rehabilitating our architectural history. Because of that commitment, the city has created the Grapevine Township Revitalization Project to assist property owners in restoring, preserving, rehabilitating and reconstructing their historic homes.
Additionally, there are other state and federal grants and tax incentives to encourage the rehabilitation of residential or commercial properties within the Township.
What area is included in the Township?The Township is the area bounded by Northwest Highway to the north, the railroad tracks to the south, Ball Street to the west and Austin and Wood Streets to the east. The Grapevine Commercial Historic District and the College Street Historic District are both included in the Township area.
What does the Grapevine Township Revitalization Project offer to property owners?The Grapevine City Council has authorized a "Matching Grant" program for the exterior revitalization of historic homes in the Township area. Grants are awarded on a 2 to 1 matching basis up to $10,000 for owner-occupied homes and a 1 to 1 matching basis up to $5,000 for residential rental houses.
If you live in a home in the historic district, you may apply for a grant to receive up to $10,000 by contributing $5,000 to the rehabilitation of your house. If you do not live in your house, you can receive up to $5,000 for a $5,000 contribution towards rehabilitation.
How do I go about getting more information about the program?A grant application package may be obtained from the Planning Department or the Historic Preservation Office at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S. Main Street or you may obtain a grant application by mail by requesting one from:
Grapevine Township Revitalization Project, Inc.
PO Box 95104
Grapevine, TX 76099
In addition, you may contact the Office of Historic Preservation at (817) 410-3197