Historic District Board of Review

The purpose of Madison’s Historic Preservation Program is to facilitate public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the City’s historic past, promote better awareness of its architectural and cultural history, work with residents and business owners to preserve that history, and foster civic and neighborhood pride so that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate and understand Madison’s unique cultural heritage.

Why Preservation Matters:

Promotes an increased quality of life, economic development, increased and stabilized property values, job creation, and environmental stewardship

Demonstrates community pride through caring for what we have already built so that we and future generations have a sense of our shared history

Ensures aesthetic quality and diversity of the surrounding environment we enjoy every day and upon which we depend

Provides guidance for new development projects boasting economic and social benefits without destroying our history

The Historic District Board of Review meets each month to provide input and direction to the City’s historic preservation efforts through the administration of the Historic District ordinance.

Historic District Board of Review

The Madison Historic District Board of Review administers the Historic District ordinance, which aims to protect the oldest and most historic parts of the city of Madison. The district encompasses the entire downtown area from the "toe of the hill" on the north, the Ohio River on the south, and city limits on the east and west. For meeting dates and filing deadlines, please view meeting information (PDF).

The City of Madison has recently updated the Historic District Design Guidelines and District Survey. 

Board Members:

This Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Common Council. The members of the Board shall include professionals or those who have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of the disciplines of architectural history, planning, and other disciplines related to historic preservation.

Length of Term – Three (3) years

NAME POSITION APPOINTED BY START TERM TERM ENDS
Chris Cody Board Member Mayor 04/08/2025 12/31/2025
Happy Smith Board Member Mayor 12/26/2023 12/31/2026
Jed Skillman Board Member Mayor 01/23/2024 12/31/2026
Jared Anderson Board Member Mayor 02/05/2025 12/31/2025
Ryan Rodgers Board Member Mayor 02/05/2025 12/31/2027
Ken McWilliams Board Member Mayor 01/04/2024 12/31/2026
William Jewell Board Member Mayor 04/22/2024 12/31/2025
Joe Jenner Board Attorney
Nicole M Schell Staff
Brenna Haley Staff

For more information or questions, please see the Contacts listed under "Contact Us" on this page.

Meetings:

Meetings will be held at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of the month from January through November. The December meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on the third Monday of the month.

Meeting are streamed live on the City of Madison YouTube. Watch the latest meeting here. 

Applications:

Applications to be heard before the Historic District Board of Review or by HDBR Staff may be filed using the forms found in the HDBR Document Center or online using the button below. Applications may be paid for with cash, check made out to the City of Madison, or online through the payment portal

hdbr applications