Residents and property owners in a nominated area are notified of all such hearings and welcome to attend and participate. Historic districts have an individual sense of place that newer areas seldom provide. The character and diversity of its historic structures that are worthy of preservation enrich Stockton's entire community. The identification of clusters of buildings by means of a historic district designation helps identify the eras of Stockton's development since the 1850s. The preservation and rehabilitation or restoration of older structures in residential areas both revitalizes and stabilizes neighborhoods.
Tourism is enhanced and economic vitality boosted in a city where people take pride in their past.
A historic district gives its residents and businesses a sense of purpose and there is a recognition of character and detail in buildings in such an area that modern structures do not have and cannot be replaced. Identification of a historic district often leads to a greater desire by property owners to preserve the character of the neighborhood and to make greater efforts to maintain, preserve and rehabilitate their properties, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the entire area. There are economic benefits as well. Property values tend to increase when the above factors are in place. Federal tax benefits are available for the preservation of income producing properties.