Suwanee Old Town area nominated to National Register

SUWANEE - The Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) last week unanimously approved nomination of an approximately 67-acre area in Old Town to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the country's official list of historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts worthy of preservation; an eligible property's inclusion on the list allows owners to receive preservation benefits and incentives.

DNR's approval effectively makes owners of historically significant properties in the district eligible for state preservation grants and tax credits. The U.S. Department of the Interior will now consider Suwanee's historic district and make the ultimate decision about its inclusion on the National Register. Once officially added to the register, owners of historically significant properties will be eligible for federal grants and investment tax credits.

"We've taken a giant step toward helping to preserve our historic assets by making it less expensive for commercial and residential property owners in Old Town to maintain and improve their historically significant properties," said Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. "We want to be clear that this designation does not place restrictions on property owners."

The Old Town historic district encompasses about 67 acres and 60 properties, including Pierce's Corner, that are centered along Main Street.