Local Historic Districts

One of the primary activities of the HRC is administration of Forsyth County's locally zoned historic districts. The HRC is given the authority to review and approve exterior changes to properties located within the boundaries of these districts, which to date consist of the Old Salem Historic District, the Bethabara Historic District, and the West End Historic Overlay District. 

In order to maintain and enhance the character of these districts, the HRC's goals are as follows:

• protection and promotion of Forsyth County's heritage;
• encouragement of the efforts of district residents, property owners, utility companies, and local government to conserve the built and natural environments of these districts; and,
• retention and enhancement of the historic and residential character of these districts through the regulation of exterior alterations to structures, designs for new construction, and alterations to major landscape features.

One of the ways the HRC achieves these goals is through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process. Applications for alterations, additions or new construction are reviewed by the Commission at its regular monthly meetings. The Commission bases application reviews on design review guidelines, which have been established for each district. If an application meets the requirements of the guidelines, the Commission issues a COA, which is a document indicating the Commission's approval of the proposed work. COA applications must be received 21 days prior to the Commission's monthly meeting. Refer to the second page of the application for further instructions on information to be submitted, as well as important notes related to the Certificate of Appropriateness process. Failure to supply adequate documentation or required materials will result in delays in processing the application and/or denial of the request. Review the Summary of Submission Materials for examples of the type of material required. Each district has a unique set of Design Review Guidelines.  Select the district below to view a current copy of the guidelines.

Certain categories of work in the districts are considered to be Minor Work. Minor Work projects are types of exterior work that can be reviewed by Planning staff and are eligible for staff approval, provided that the projects meet the policies and guidelines adopted by the Commission. Minor Work applications are on different forms than regular COA applications.  Select the Minor Work Provision for the correct district described below.  

Old Salem Historic District

The Old Salem Historic District was Forsyth County’s first local historic district.  Designated by the Winston-Salem Board of Aldermen as an Historic District in 1948, Old Salem was also the first local district in North Carolina.  In fact, the local ordinance establishing Old Salem as a local historic district served as the model for the State’s first historic district enabling legislation.  Old Salem is internationally recognized as one of the premier museum districts in the United States.  Founded in 1766 by German Moravians, Salem was a place where the Moravians could practice their religious beliefs free from the persecution experienced by their brethren in Europe.  The concept of Salem as a planned community was largely realized by 1772 when most of the major buildings had been completed.  Salem thrived as a center for commerce and education for generations, yet it was slowly engulfed by the surrounding development of the town of Winston (founded on land donated by the Moravians in 1849).  In 1913, Winston and Salem merged, and the historic structures and environment of Salem became threatened as the city expanded in the early 20th century.  In 1948, the potential deterioration of Salem was halted by the establishment of the local historic district.  In 1950, interested citizens created the nonprofit organization of Old Salem, Inc.  The results of that effort are experienced by thousands of visitors each year and by the status of Old Salem as not only a local historic district, but as a National Historic Landmark district.  It is also home to many of Forsyth County’s Local Historic Landmarks as well.  For more information on Old Salem, visit the Old Salem, Inc., website at http://www.oldsalem.org.

Old Salem District Map [691.89 KB/pdf]

Old Salem Design Guidelines [187.4 KB/pdf]

Minor Work Provisions [70.33 KB/pdf]  

Bethabara Historic District

The Bethabara Historic District was Forsyth County’s second local historic district, designated in 1966.  The settlement of Bethabara was founded in 1753 when the members of the Moravian brethren arrived from Pennsylvania.  Bethabara was the first Moravian settlement in the community, and it marked the beginning of a series of Moravian communities on a nearly 100,000-acre tract that the Moravians had purchased from Lord Granville in North Carolina.  Bethabara became a thriving center providing shelter, commerce, and agricultural products.  Despite the eventual establishment of Salem in 1766, Bethabara continued to be an important stop on the route of travelers to Salem.  The significance of Bethabara was nationally recognized in 1978 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It has subsequently been named a National Historic Landmark district.  Today the district features outstanding examples of German-Moravian architecture, a wealth of archaeological resources, and pastoral open space.  For more information on Bethabara, visit the website of Historic Bethabara Park, which further details the history of this important district, at http://www.bethabarapark.org.

Bethabara Park District Map[557.74 KB/pdf]  

Bethabara Park Design Guidelines [22.76 KB/pdf]

Minor Work Provisions [70.33 KB/pdf]  

West End Historic Overlay District

Designed by Jacob Lott Ludlow in 1890, the West End neighborhood is one of North Carolina’s finest examples of a turn-of-the century streetcar suburb.  Jacob Lott Ludlow was the Town of Winston’s first City Engineer.  Originally conceived as a resort and residential community, the West End was laid out by Ludow to take full advantage of the hilly terrain of the area.  Dramatically curving streets, terraced lawns, and park areas were designed in strict contrast to the grid pattern of the remaining areas of the city.   

The major styles of architecture incorporated in the West End are Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, and Craftsman.  The architectural diversity in the District is enhanced by the equally elaborate use of stone retaining walls and steps, lush parks, and beautiful lawns and landscapes. 

The important architectural and historical heritage of the West End was recognized nationally in 1986, when the District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

In 1993, the area was selected to be Winston-Salem’s first Historic Overlay District.  The West End Historic Overlay District was created to protect the unique character of the neighborhood.  The Overlay District promotes the preservation, conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of architecturally and/or historically significant structures and features within the District.

West End Neighborhood Association website: http://thewestend.tripod.com/

West End District Map [1.03 MB/pdf]

West End Inventory Design Guidelines [9.65 MB/pdf]

Minor Work Provisions [85.93 KB/pdf] 

For further information, please email either LeAnn Pegram or Michelle McCullough, or call LeAnn at 336-747-7056 or Michelle at 336-747-7063.