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Madison Landmarks
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Some Common Questions About
Landmarks Commission Review
Will the Landmarks
Commission make me spend a lot more money than I can
Afford?
The Landmarks Commission is sensitive
to the ever-increasing costs of all construction
projects. When alternative design solutions exist,
cost is a factor that is weighted very carefully. In
many cases, the preservation approach is the less
expensive alternative because preservation
encourages maintenance and repair of the original
fabric rather than replacement with new materials.
Does the Landmarks Commission review projects that will not
be visible from the street?
Yes, the Landmarks Commission reviews
all projects that will change the appearance of the
building, whether visible from the street or from a
neighbor's backyard.
Can the Landmarks Commission dictate what color I can paint
my house?
The Landmarks Commission does not have
the authority to review paint colors. It also does
not review roofing colors. If you would like advice
on the proper paint or roofing colors for your
house, the Landmarks Commission staff would be happy
to assist.
Who built my house, when was it built, and who was the
architect?
The City is undertaking a survey of
historic buildings throughout Madison, which
includes basic historical information on many of the
houses in Madison's historic districts. Call the
Landmarks Commission staff to see if research has
been conducted on your house. The staff can also
give you ideas on other research sources.
Are there are financial incentives for rehabilitating my
historic building?
The most important financial incentives
are the state and national tax credit programs.
For more information see the tax credit
sections on this site.
The City of Madison also provides
financial assistance for renovating the facades of
commercial buildings in many of Madison's
commercial districts. for facade renovations in our
main commercial districts.
For more information on these grants, see
http://www.cityofmadison.com/econdev/financing.html#City%20of%20Madison%20Programs,
or call Percy Brown at 266-6558 ext. 311.
The City of Madison has home owner's
assistance available for families of low and
moderate income.
For more information call Craig Wilson at
266-6557.
Where can I get more information about techniques for
renovating my house?
The Landmarks Commission staff is happy
to advise owners on old house maintenance and
rehabilitation. The most valuable printed source of
information is the monthly publication, The Old
House Journal. A complete set of back issues is
on file at the Madison Public Library, as are
indices and The Old House Journal's Restoration
Directory, a compilation of renovation products
and services. For
more information, see www.oldhousejournal.com.
Can I sandblast my house to remove old paint or dirt?
The Madison General Ordinances prohibit
sandblasting or other abrasive methods of removing
paint and dirt from historic buildings. Sandblasting
not only removes old paint and dirt, but also
removes the hard outside layer of the masonry wall,
creating a pitted surface that will attract more
moisture and dirt and hasten the deterioration of
the building. The Landmarks Commission staff can
assist you in selecting a cleaning and/or paint
removal method that will not damage the exterior
walls of the building.
How can I find a designer or contractor who will understand
old house renovation?
The Landmarks Commission staff does not
recommend specific contractors. Your best bet is to
ask friends and neighbors who have had work done.
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CONTACT:
City of Madison
Department of Planning
& Community &
Economic Development
608-266-4635 |
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