Historians have said that “Ocean Springs is to Mississippi what Jamestown is to Virginia and Plymouth Rock is to Massachusetts”. Ocean Springs is the birthplace of the French Louisiana Territory, and plays a huge part in American History! We have a lot to be proud of. Capitalizing on that history and the charm of Ocean Springs will bring us the type of tourism and economic growth we want. Many of Ocean Springs historic downtown buildings are not protected and are at risk of being lost to over-zealous development. Our downtown streetscape with shopping and restaurants is a major draw for community-based tourism not typically available in mainstream tourism. In 1987, many local areas were listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, that designation "places no restrictions on historic properties, no protection against demolition, neglect or insensitive alterations or additions." Our downtown main street structures are a reminder of the history of our town and help tell its story. Studies report the following:
Historic areas increase opportunities for grants, tax incentives, and property value
Preservation enhances local businesses
Heritage tourism is a real economic force, e.g. Fairhope, AL, Savannah, GA, Beaufort, SC
"Sense of place" encourages people to put down roots and enhances the distinctiveness of a city
Including downtown buildings or areas in a Historic District would also encourage any new construction in these areas to adhere to the same guidelines which contribute to the charm and heritage of Ocean Springs. A few properties that are currently NOT protected by a local designation include, Lovelace Drugstore built in 1926, the Lemon-Mohler building built in 1897, the Blossman Gas building built in 1912, the Pink Rooster built in 1914, the Masonic Temple built in 1928, the State Bank built in 1910, Todd Boswell salon built in 1900, Elizabeth Keys - the last all black school in Ocean Springs, Two Dogs Dancing and Buddy Row built in 1910.
What we want:
Ocean Springs should reevaluate what areas should be included in our “Local Historic Districts." This designation would, as stated on page 6 of the Historic Guidelines, “place an emphasis upon the preservation of the historic character and architectural integrity of buildings and areas. The primary goal is to protect irreplaceable community resources and to maintain an aesthetically pleasing place to work and live. Through local designation and design review, Ocean Springs preserves the character defining features that make its historic properties unique.”