Calera may join other cities from throughout the state on the Alabama Historical Commission’s list of historic places.

During Monday night’s Calera City Council meeting, council member Tommie Lynn Morrison announced that she was notified by the Commission that the city met requirements for the designation.

One of the main requirements is that a certain number of buildings in the city’s main business district must be at least 50 years old, with enough of the original structure remaining intact. Morrison said the Commission refers to the &uot;original facade&uot; of buildings in the historic designations, and that Calera met the requirement.

&uot;We do have enough older buildings left in our business district to be a historic district,&uot; Morrison said. &uot;I thought that would be good news.&uot;

Among other things, Morrison said the city can enjoy tax breaks from the historical designation. Also, property owners in the downtown can take advantage of restoration services offered by the Historic Commission.

The designation will help the city’s restoration and revitalization of downtown, Morrison said. Morrison represents Calera’s District One, which includes downtown. She also serves as chairman of the city’s revitalization committee.

The city has adopted an on-going plan to supplement the historic downtown business district with new sidewalks, and improved lighting and storefronts