Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- May is National Historic Preservation Month, and the city of Colorado Springs hopes to educate the community about our rich history and what is being done to preserve some of the historic structures for future generations.

"Preservation is protecting and celebrating a community's physical heritage," Erin McCauley, a planner with the city, said. "Buildings from different eras provide a link to the past, putting present and future generations in the literal footsteps of City founders."

So far, the city has 56 individual properties listed on the State Register of Historic Places, and 48 of those are also listed on the National Register.

There are also four historic districts - the Old North End, Boulder Crescent, Old Colorado City Commercial District and the North Weber/Wahsatch Historic District.

"One of the more recent and visible preservation projects we've seen is the rehabilitation of the McWilliams House at the northeast corner of Tejon and Willamette adjacent to Grace Episcopal Church," McCauley said.

The residence was originally built in 1899 for Mr. and Mrs. George Bernard for $40,000.

According to the city, the Bernards sold the home to Mr. J.A. Sill, who was a prominent mining man and a member of the Mining Exchange.

"The building is significant not only for its tie to Colorado Springs' mining history, but also for its Queen Anne architectural style," McCauley said.

The restoration required $275,000, which was raised in part by the congregation with contributions from the Old North End neighborhood, a grant from the State Historic Fund and a grant from the Downtown Partnership.

Want to learn more about this an other historic buildings in Colorado Springs?

CLICK HERE to go on a downtown scavenger hunt showcasing the city's historic architecture.