The National Coalition of Heritage Areas defines heritage areas as “…regions with a distinctive sense of place… [They] foster a balanced commitment for the protection of environmental and cultural resources while also encouraging development for tourism and other economic opportunities. Heritage development begins by informing residents and visitors alike about community history, traditions and the environment, while providing infrastructure development opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism, and the expansion and promotion of cultural resources.”

When Friends of Hayward undertook the project of compiling an Historic Inventory, we defined specific areas as Local Heritage Areas. Currently they are:

• Downtown Commercial District Heritage Area
• Prospect Hill Heritage Area
• Lower B Street Heritage Area
• Upper B Street Heritage Area

One of the purposes of this website is to showcase the properties that make these areas historically and culturally significant. Be sure to check back often to see the latest additions as we develop our “showcase.”