City of Orange Receives Commendation from Preserve Orange County

A part of our program to recognize the leadership of cities, organizations and individuals on county preservation issues, Preserve Orange County awarded a commendation to the City of Orange on November 3rd. In Orange, early community activism jumpstarted a commitment to preservation that is now shared by city government. The city embarked on its first survey of historic resources in 1982, and undertook an update in 1992. The Old Town Historic District was established soon after. The city uses Design Standards to guide the rehabilitation of buildings in Old Town, and is establishing new standards for the three mid-century housing tracts developed by Joseph Eichler, now being considered for both local and national designation. The city has a full-time, dedicated Historic Preservation Planner, and also participates generously in the Mills Act program, with over 200 properties now benefiting from this valuable tax-abatement program. 

Left to right, Alan Hess, Board Chair, Preserve Orange County, Robert Imboden, Board Member, Preserve Orange County, City of Orange Mayor, Tita Smith, and Mark Hilbert, benefactor, Hilbert Museum of California Art