The City of Greensboro’s Historic Preservation Program is an official house sponsor of Preservation Greensboro’s 15th annual Tour of Historic Homes and Gardens. The city announced recently that the 2025 tours will be offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May18 in the Irving Park National Register Historic District.

Irving Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, and city preservation officials note the area’s  “20th-century architecture, garden landscapes, and tree-lined streets.”

 The tours, which will be self-guided, will showcase six historic homes in Irving Park.

 In honor of Preservation Month, visitors will get the chance to explore and learn about the heritage and the iconic architecture of Greensboro’s past by stepping inside these homes.

You can learn more about the event and purchase tickets at https://www.preservationgreensboro.org/2025-tour-of-historic-homes-gardens.

Proceeds from the tours will go toward the advocacy, education and support for preservation efforts at the Blandwood Museum and other historic sites in Greensboro.

This is part of an effort by the  city to reaffirm its commitment to preserving the buildings, neighborhoods, and Greensboro landmarks that have in the past – and continue to – help define the community’s character.

Through the city’s Historic Preservation Program, Greensboro leaders seek to maintain and protect historic sites throughout the city while encouraging city residents to engage with and enjoy Greensboro’s rich architectural history.

City leaders say that, from historic houses to famous commercial buildings, these properties contribute to Greensboro’s identity and are a key focus of Greensboro’s Comprehensive Plan – known as “GSO2040.”

Greensboro’s first comprehensive architectural survey took place 50 years ago.  That survey was followed by updates in 1990 and again from 2006 to 2009.

Currently, there are three designated local historic districts and 68 individual Landmark properties in Greensboro. These properties are protected under a Certificate of Appropriateness requirement, which ensures that any changes made to them are in line with historic standards.

Property owners who maintain these landmark sites are eligible for up to a 50 percent deferral on their property taxes – which provides a financial incentive to preserve Greensboro’s history.

Also, Greensboro is home to 12 districts and 42 individual properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s the official federal list of historically significant properties.

While the designation doesn’t put restrictions on private property, it does offer access to potential federal and state income tax credits for rehabilitation projects.

The city is supportive of efforts to nominate properties for the National Register when funding allows, and the city also takes part in the review of such nominations.

For neighborhoods that reflect historic or cultural significance, but fail to meet the criteria for National Register or local historic district designation, the City of Greensboro may offer something called “Heritage Community” status, which is another way to recognize and celebrate local history.

Those interested in the history of the city and the preservation of that history can learn more about Greensboro’s preservation efforts and discover sites near them using the interactive map at www.greensboro-nc.gov/HistoricPreservation.

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