Fraser Fields Historic Neighborhood

Proposed Fraser Fields Historic District - Approved Feb 2003

Fraser Fields Historic District Process

What makes a local historic district? - An Historical District must have seven or more properties with at least 300 consecutive feet of frontage. The homes must be at least 50 years old with their architectural integreity intact-meaning-the front of the house must be substantially similiar to when it was originally built. The Fraser Fields Neighborhood is seeking designation through the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office as the first Post- World War II neighborhood in the State of Arizona to be granted historical status. A neigborhood historic preservation committee was formed to accomplish this purpose. In the summer of 2001 Tony Felice from the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office spoke at a Neighborhood meeting. He spoke of the benefits of being nominated as an historical district and answered questions and concerns from residents regarding the proposed historical nomination. After the meeting a petition was circulated throughout the neighborhood and signed by the majority of the residents owning property within the neighborhood. The application was filed for review by the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Committee in the fall of 2001. The application was accepted for review and the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office is moving forward with the process under the direction of Tony Felice. The Office applied for grants to offset nomination costs in the winter of 2001 and were recently awarded to the City. The Office recently selected an architect who has in the past worked on City of Tempe preservation projects. The architect will conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed historic preservation overlay district. The findings will be reviewed by the City Historic Preservaton Office and forwarded to the City Council for its review and consideration. The City Council will either reject the nomination or pass an ordinance designating Fraser Fields as an Historic District.

Historic Preservation Incentives for Fraser Fields

To prevent blight from affecting our neighborhood that is occuring to the south, southeast, west, and southwest of Fraser Fields.

To maintain and increase property values in the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

To maintain and improve the quality of life within the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

We will have a collective voice in front of the Mayor and City Council on issues affecting our neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Incentives that are offered through City, State, and Federal programs to encourage historic preservation include:

Special provisions for modification of building code regulations.

Conservation and preservation easements allowing limited tax benefits.

Federal investment tax credits.

State and County property tax reduction programs.

Historical Preservation Information

Historical preservation information is available on line through the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office and the State of Arizona Historic Preservation Office.

Our neighborhood historical district coordinator is:

CITY OF MESA
OFFICE OF REDEVELOPMENT
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Tony Felice, Redevelopment Planner
20 East Main Street, Suite 200
480-644-3965

Links

State Historic Preservation Office
City of Mesa Historic Preservation