Clayton Historic District Wins Federal Ok

The Clayton Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service (NPS).

Town officials have not yet been officially notified of the listing, but the announcement was made on the NPS website.

The listing follows more than three years of research and preparation.

“This is great news,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “Historic preservation encourages reinvestment in existing neighborhoods, which can enhance property values and the local tax base.”

The Clayton Historic District, which includes portions of the downtown commercial district and residential neighborhoods north and south of the railroad, consists of 294 contributing buildings and structures and 109 non-contributing. The district is bounded by Mulberry Street, W Barnes Street, Mill Street, Lombard Street, and Blanche Street.

One of the tangible benefits for a property owner with a contributing building is the availability of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, a federal incentive program that is matched by the State of North Carolina.

Historic buildings are considered an important element in a community’s quality of life, because they help provide a sense of community and identity that is important for sustainable economic growth.

A copy of the historic district map and registration form is available for review at the Hocutt Ellington Library at 100 S Church Street, and in the Town Clerk’s office at The Clayton Center, 111 E Second Street. It may also be reviewed online at www.townofclaytonnc.org by clicking on “For Business” then “Downtown” then “Business Development”---or by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 or via email at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org