SE Valley Times

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Chandler City Council recently voted to establish a Historic Preservation (HP) District zoning overlay within a portion of Downtown Chandler’s Silk Stocking neighborhood. The HP overlay encompasses 23 designated properties along Washington and Coronado streets whose property owners signed a waiver to adhere to the historic preservation ordinance and its accompanying design guidelines for property maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation.

The request for this new historic district was a grassroots effort led by Silk Stocking neighbors Melisa Lalich and Cheryl Bell, spanning years of conversations with fellow property owners, Planning Division staff, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Chandler City Council. In fact, neighborhood involvement from Silk Stocking community leaders was instrumental in the creation and adoption of Chandler’s historic preservation ordinance that established the Historic Preservation Commission and various historic designations recognized by the city.

"Chandler's City Code requires 60% of property owners to sign a declaration and waiver as required to be included in the HP district," shared sources familiar with the matter. These properties must have sufficient historic integrity. There are a total of 39 homes designated as contributing properties within the Silk Stocking neighborhood. With the 23 properties noted above having signed waivers, along with Washington Street's unique hardscape being considered a historic improvement, the 60% threshold was met.

According to Planning Division staff, the Silk Stocking neighborhood holds a significant historical background. For more information about historic preservation in Chandler, interested individuals are encouraged to visit Chandler Historic Preservation.