> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.uppermonroe.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/upper-monroe-historic-district.md). # Upper Monroe Historic District UMNA has been exploring options for historic recognition when that recognition provides support for improving the neighborhood but NOT when it triggers extra costs or imposes new regulations. The UMNA task force working on this project is being led by **Patrick Casey** and includes **Rome Celli**, **Peter House**, **Lydia Crim** & **Jeanne Weber**. The UMNA team is supported by the [**South East Area Coaliton**](https://seacrochester.org/) and the [**Landmark Society of Western New York**](https://www.landmarksociety.org/)**.** ## Status Update: August, 2026 For the past few years the UMNA leadership team has discussed a range of options and ideas for official recognition of our neighborhood’s significant historic importance. These efforts focused on the sort of recognition that provides support for improving the neighborhood WITHOUT triggering negative impacts such as the imposition of new burdensome regulations or oversight. This topic was presented and discussed at the [2024 March 23: UMNA Annual Meeting](/events-and-meetings/2024-past-events/2024-march-23-umna-annual-meeting.md). At that meeting the Landmark Society of Western New York has verified that nearly every residential and commercial property located in Upper Monroe deserves and qualifies for official recognition! Exploration efforts were officially endorsed and added to the UMNA workplan at that time. Since then two final options have been identified and discussed at length. One option provided nearly all the benefits of recognition WITHOUT imposing any unwanted new burdensome regulations/oversight and hardly any negative impacts. Below is a summary of those discussions: ### OPTION #1: A City of Rochester “PRESERVATION District” would NOT be a good fit * Some disadvantages: (1) A Preservation District may be identified and imposed by the City of Rochester without the consent of property owners within the district boundaries: (2) Exterior changes to properties in a Preservation District require formal approval by the Rochester Preservation Board (RPB); (3) The RPB has the legal power to impose their decisions on property owners without the owner’s consent; (4) Higher costs of exterior improvements are probable; (5) No financial support available to property owners to offset higher costs; (6) It would be extremely difficult to garner support for the creation of a Preservation District due to all negative implications; (7) Gentrification in Preservation Districts is common. * Some advantages: (1) Provides the highest level of local prestige and recognition; (2) Provides the highest standards of protection for properties in the district area; (3) The application process is inexpensive; (4) Properties included in a Preservation District may indicate so on promotional materials when describing the property or offering the property for sale; (5) Property values & rents almost always go up faster than in adjacent areas. #### Some Examples: * The East Avenue Preservation District; * The Cornhill Preservation District; and * The Grove Place Preservation District. ### OPTION #2: A listing in the National Register of Historic Places (an “HISTORIC District”) would be a VERY GOOD fit * Some disadvantages: (1) The application process is expensive (unless grants are secured - see below); (2) People mistakenly think a listing in the National Register of Historic Places imposes burdens on every property in the district so lots of education & communication is typically necessary; (3) The National Register offers limited prestige and recognition at the local level. (4) Listing in the National Register is purely honorific for nearly all the properties in the district (only properties that are improved using income tax credits would have certain limited protections). * Some advantages: (1) NO broad based regulations or oversight would be imposed; (2) Crosman Terrace was already successful at earning a listing on the National Register of Historic Places so we have FACTUAL experience with the process and the results; (3) INCOME TAX CREDITS would be available for approved exterior renovations that meet preservation standards If, and only if, a property owner wants to use the program; (4) A listing must be supported by a majority of property owners within the proposed historic district boundaries; (5) Grants will cover up to 90% of the costs of the process; (6) A listing application combines with a local community-based art/history public art project; (7) No discernable gentrification in the neighborhood; (8) Some measure of “moral suasion” would be available to help preserve and protect endangered properties or related historic features of the neighborhood; and (9) Properties included in the National Register may indicate so on promotional materials when describing the property or offering the property for sale. #### Some examples: * Crosman Terrace Historic District (established in 2022); * Park Avenue Historic District (established in 2020); * Ellwanger & Barry-Highland Park Historic District (established in 2024); * Azalea-Highland Park Terrace Historic District (established in 2024); * The Cobbs Hill Historic Historic District (slated for 2026) #### Additional Notes: * The area that could be covered would include all of the residential streets in Upper Monroe as well as the portion of Monroe Avenue located between Rt. 490 and Culver Road. * It is quite possible that certain individual properties may not be included for a variety of reasons. Exactly which properties would be determined through the application process. #### Next steps: UMA has established a dedicated task force to submit a preliminary grant application to cover 90% of a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. If a grant is deemed viable, a more substantial grant application will be submitted in September. If the full grant is approved, UMNA, with support from the Landmark Society of Western New York will begin the process of raising the remaining 10% or so and applying for recognition in the National Register of Historic Places. Completion of the process is expected to take approximately two years. If you have questions or if you would like to support this effort, please send a note to . ***