By LINDA LONG/For the Reporter

Downtown Montevallo is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The designated area includes portions of Main Street, Middle Street and Valley Street and impacts all buildings in the downtown business area over 50 years old. The designation came following a petition nominating the area from the Montevallo Historical Commission.

According to John Lott, commission spokesperson, “This designation aids us in preserving the existing buildings. We hope to very quickly make that a city historical district. That will enable us to use the standards set by the Secretary of the Interior and our local zoning laws to preserve the character and look of the buildings. Using those standards which are set nationally will help us preserve what we have here.”

According to Lott, the designation includes “both restaurants on Main Street, thePost Office, the garage for the Alabama Coach Company Bus Station and several others. He said the city already has a zoning law in place “that would cover any future construction to be sure it is compatible with the downtown area.”

“This simply reflects the history of the town,” Lott said. “We were the first city in Shelby County. It’s a matter of civic pride and I expect it will be a draw for tourists.

Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost echoed those thoughts.

“This enables us to reach out more to folks who are interested in the rich history we have in this area,” she said. “It will allow us to have historical events that surround Montevallo and will really help to promote the rich heritage of this area. It also adds to the pride we feel by living in a city founded in 1817. A lot of individuals live here who are really invested in the history and the culture of our city.”