Greendale Gains National Historic Landmark Status

Greendale has officially been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Interior Department.

Greendale is one of three government-sponsored “greenbelt” communities built during the Great Depression.

According to a press release from the department, construction of Greendale "represents the federal response to the desperate unemployment of the era and the urgent need for housing reform for the urban working class."

On Wednesday the department announced a total of 27 new national landmarks. Currently there are only 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites across the country that bear this national distinction.

In 2003 the Greendale Historical Society and the State of Wisconsin Historical Society submitted a nomiation for the National Historic Landmark status. Greendale was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, however, the process towards National Historic Landmark was a much longer one that required further study.

Last year the Greendale Historical Society said that this is how it will affect homeowners:

• The tax laws provide 20% investment tax credit with a full adjustment for rehabilitating historic commercial, industrial and rental residential building.
• Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions or for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures are allowed.
• Technical assistance regarding tax credits, preservations, etc. can be obtained through the National Park Service and the State Historical Society.
• Homeowners and businesses will be eligible for grants and loans if and when funds are available because of the National Historic Landmark designation.