Uptown Jackson becomes state historic district

The proposed uptown Jackson historic district has won approval from the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the next step in achieving National Historic District status.

Melinda Winchester, a historic preservationist for Lafser and Associates, received the approval Friday after a presentation to the advisory council.

The next step, said Winchester, will be a review by the federal government to see if the area can be placed on the national register.

Chances are likely that it will, she said, given that the state agency's recommendations typically pass on the federal level.

The historic district will encompass West High and Court streets, including such buildings as the county courthouse, the old C.H. Wolter Horse and Buggy Harness Shop, the Andrew Jackson store, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce building and a building at 123 Main St. that was recently renovated.

The project has been ongoing for about a year, said Winchester, and has won support from property owners, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Jackson and the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

The designation as a historic district will allow property owners to qualify for state and federal tax breaks when renovating historic properties. Winchester said it could also attract tenants and property buyers and raise property values in the city.