Residents in Buena Vista got some great news this summer  as the city received final approval from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to move forward with their Historic Downtown project. According to the Rockbridge Weekly & Alleghany Journal, the city started this process over a year ago in May 2008.

"Buena Vista is getting a downtown Historic District. The local groundwork is complete, and officials received final approval by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources on June 18.

This honorary designation, provided by the state and federal government, recognizes areas with significant architectural heritage within a community. The designation places contributing buildings within the historic district on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, and acknowledges landmarks that have historical importance.

The historic district encompasses the majority of downtown Buena Vista, including Magnolia Avenue from 19th to 22nd Street, as well as sections of Sycamore and Forest Avenues.

Property owners within this designated district are not required to alter their properties in any way. However, property owners undertaking a building rehabilitation according to pre-established standards can receive as much as a 45% tax credit."

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