A Historic Preservation Commission has been established by the City Council to help keep some of the Layton's past intact.
According to Peter Matson, Layton city planner who works with the seven-member commission, the panel has already met several times. Its next meeting is planned for March 21, 5 p.m. at City Hall."We're trying to establish the groundwork," Matson said.
He said the commission has applied for a state grant that would help fund an inventory of historic structures in Layton. The city is hoping to receive $4,200 from a state grant and later some matching money from the council and/or through some volunteer work.
Approximately 80 percent of all Layton's buildings were constructed after 1970, and the city's current building boon is masking some of Layton's historic flavor, according to Matson.
"Layton is essentially a pretty young city," Matson said, explaining that the Historical Commission is concentrating on buildings more than 50 years old.
He said there are four subdivisions in Layton that are more than 50 years old and that the commission expects to find 300 to 400 homes in the city more than five decades old. Then the commission would narrow that list down. The city would also eventually hire a consultant after the study has been done to concentrate on the preservation of specific buildings or areas.
Matson said there are currently one business and three residences in Layton listed on the National Historic Register. These include: the First National Bank (Farmers Union) at Main and Gentile Streets; the Joseph Adams home on 300 N. Adamswood; the John Henry Layton house at 683 W. Gentile; and the George W. Layton home, also on West Gentile.
Layton has a historic business district area on south Main Street, and Matson said the commission could eventually have the funds and support to encourage some other businesses in that area, besides First National Bank, to do some historic preservation.
Cecil Barton is the chairman of the panel, and Marje Silvester is the vice chairwoman.