Over the past several months, the City of Washington has amped up its efforts to preserve abandoned houses or those in disrepair — specifically in the historic district.

If a home is in need of serious renovations, the City will send a letter alerting the property owners and try to work with them to correct the problem. If the neglect continues, and the house becomes unsafe and/or uninhabitable, it cannot be saved.

Demolition is, of course, a last resort, and the hope is that an owner will take advantage of tax credits available for historic homes to help offset the costs of renovation. City officials work tirelessly to prevent demolition from happening.

Some may feel as if the increased efforts are too much, but it’s about more than just an old house. Within those walls lies decades of Washington’s history — some even dating back to its inception in the 1770s. Preserving the homes, or at least pressuring an owner to do so, is preserving a valuable community resource, as well.

Imagine Washington without some of its prized treasures — the early-20^th-century vaudeville theater on Main Street, the illustrious Elmwood, or The Bank, a bank turned restaurant downtown. While an abandoned home might not be a standout like these, it still contains a rich history, and it’s a history of regular, everyday people.

So, are the City’s actions aggressive? Maybe. But is it worth it? Absolutely.

Washington would lose a large piece of itself if homeowners let these properties fall into disrepair. Preserving history should be a top priority for the City and its residents.

Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.