The mandate of the Madison Historic District Commission is to preserve and wherever possible enhance the historic and architectural character of Madison's Historic District. The historic context or setting is itself the primary concern of the Commission. It is the intention of the Historic District Commission to promote excellence in design, and design which is not incongruous with an historic district.
The goal of historic preservation is to preserve continuity with the past, not the isolation of the past. Indeed, the continuity of our cultural heritage both anticipates and encourages ongoing change and development. Historic properties are resources important to the ongoing development of our community.