Plaque Policy and Application Process

I. Historic Gainesville, Inc. (HGI) recognizes historic structures in the greater Gainesville/Alachua County area with specially designed plaques. The plaques are awarded in two tiers. A historic building, 50 years or older having historic interest, may be awarded the rectangular plaque. Historic buildings which have undergone noteworthy and historically appropriate restoration, or buildings of special architectural or historic significance are eligible to receive a larger plaque. The use of both of these special plaques, designed for mounting on the front of the building, can be purchased from HGI. HGI reserves the sole right to determine plaque eligibility. The plaque tier that is awarded is the sole decision of the HGI Board. HGI also reserves the right to rescind the use of the plaque if the property is not maintained or is altered to the extent that it loses its historic appropriateness.

II. Criteria for awarding the plaques:
A.  Tier Two (the rectangular marker, 15 3/4" x 11 7/8", $100):
1. The building must be 50 years old or older.
2. The building may be a residence, a business, church, civic building or any other building which is deemed appropriate by the HGI Plaque Committee.
3  The building owners agree to maintain the distinguishing original features and character of the building and its environment.
4. No unsympathetic additions or alterations have been made.
5.  Submission of the application along with supporting documentation showing the age and history of the building and its residents.
 
B.  Tier One (Special Significance Plaque, rectangle 15 3/4" x 11 7/8" with semicircular extension, $135)
1.  The building must be 50 years or older.
2.  The building may be a residence, a business, church, civic building or any other building which is deemed appropriate by the HGI Plaque Committee.
3.  The building owners agree to maintain the distinguishing original features and character of the building and its environment.
4.  Submission of the application along with supporting documentation showing the age and history of the building and its residents.
5.  The building must have undergone historically appropriate restoration or substantial rehabilitation or must have been maintained, over time, in its original condition.
6.  The building may not have historically inappropriate features, enclosures or repairs.
7.  The building has special historic or architectural significance.

III. Parameters for Plaque Placement:
A. The plaque will be placed on the front facade four to six feet above the ground, or at a visible, eye-level location near the front door.  Exceptions will be considered by the Plaque Committee on a case-by-case basis.
B. The plaque will be fastened with brass screws.
C. A carpenter hired by HGI will install the plaque after receiving permission from the owners.

IV. The plaque face will have the name of the original owner and/or the most prominent early owners and the date the structure was built. The names will be the mutual decision of the owner(s) and the HGI Plaque Committee.

V. Timeline: The review of your application, production of the plaque, and the installation may take up to several months or more to accomplish. Please be patient.

Note: HGI may provide a grant for non-profit organizations wishing to have a plaque placed on a public-use historic building owned and operated by that organization. A representative of the organization must appear before the HGI board to make a formal request for a grant.

For more information call 352-374-4252 or 352-371-4066.

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Last Updated  September 22, 2000 by A.L.H.