HERITAGE ALLIANCE
SAN MATEO
Protecting our Past for a Better Future
MISSION
To preserve, celebrate, and educate the public about San Mateo's historical, architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.
HISTORY AT RISK
San Mateo's historic resources, both individually and collectively, are perhaps the city's most under valued asset. Today more than ever, it is critical to identify, preserve, and celebrate the historic resources and neighborhoods that contribute so much to San Mateo's identity, character and value.
SMHeritage PRIORIties
CELEBRATE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN!
The Downtown Historic District is the heart of San Mateo. Its historic buildings create the attractive environment that draws people and businesses to Downtown.
But rapid growth without regard for these historic resources puts the Downtown Historic District and its businesses at risk.
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Economic growth and resource protection are partners in a prosperous future. Yet, the city's own Alternative Evaluation warned such growth “could effect the integrity of the buildings and the Historic District,” and “result in development incompatible with the existing historic fabric surrounding the Downtown Historic District.” Let's not let that happen.
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Thoughtful planning that highlights and prioritizes protection of historic Downtown buildings and their surroundings can ensure new development is respectful of, and compatible with our historic Downtown.
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Celebrate Downtown
Treasure its historic resources!
CELEBRATE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!
Responsible historic resource protections encourage homeowners to be sustainable stewards of their homes because they know their investment is protected over time.
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Thoughtful renovation is energy efficient and environmentally responsible, reusing the home's embodied energy. But demolishing one modestly sized house generates an average 62.5 tons of landfill waste.
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By "rehabbing right" we preserve the architectural detailing, high-quality materials, craftsmanship, character and charm that people seek in historic neighborhoods.
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Incorporating responsible historic resource policies in the General Plan and Zoning Code preserves for future generations the fine homes that draw people to the community, stabilize our neighborhoods and increase community pride.
Now that's worth celebrating!
SURVEY HISTORIC RESOURCES
City policy makers need baseline information on potential historic resources in order to make informed planning decisions.
Before buildings are torn down or altered, it is necessary to ask if they have some significance to the community. Without fundamental information about our historic resources, uninformed decisions will inevitably be made and resources lost.
A comprehensive city-wide Historic Resource Survey is an essential component of responsible city planning.
QUALITY DESIGN STANDARDS
High quality objective design standards that value historic resources encourage responsible stewardship and provide helpful guidance for property owners, architects and planners.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards, for example, provide assistance with remodeling, updating and expanding homes and commercial properties while respectfully retaining historic character. The Secretary's Standards are already codified for the Downtown and Glazenwood Historic Districts.
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Well-crafted design standards are by no means 'red tape.' Rather, they provide assurance that alterations and additions are appropriate to the building and surrounding neighborhood. They help ensure compatible residential and commercial infill projects 'fit' their surroundings, leading to long lasting benefits for the homeowner, neighborhood and community.
please donate today your support will help
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Educate the public about the important role historic resources play in the community
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Communicate the value of historic resource protections in the General Plan
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Promote design standards that result in compatible infill development
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Prioritize the Downtown Historic District
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Identify historic resources before they are lost
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Retain neighborhood character and quality of life for future generations
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San Mateo Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Tax ID #88-2159434
San Mateo Heritage Alliance is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff.
Your donation goes entirely to support the efforts listed above.
"The basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate sensitively with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product of the past and a modifier of the future."
- John W. Lawrence, Dean, School of Architecture, Tulane University, 1970
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