Establishing and maintaining local historical landmarks is an accessible process that preserves a community’s character. Historic building designation offers significant financial incentives, such as tax credits, but its impact extends deeper, weaving the past into the fabric of daily life. These buildings are storytellers, and protecting them is a collective effort in our neighborhood.
What Is a Local Historical Landmark?
A local historical landmark is a building, site, structure, or district that has been officially recognized by a municipal government for its historical, architectural, or cultural significance. This designation is a formal acknowledgment that a place is important to the community's heritage and is worthy of protection and preservation. The modern preservation movement in the United States gained significant momentum with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, an act intended to protect the nation's historical foundations "as a living part of our community life and development," according to the University of Arizona Extension.
Historic designation provides a framework for thoughtfully managing change, not freezing a property in time. It ensures alterations or new development are sensitive to a property's unique character, maintaining a tangible connection to the past. This fosters a distinct sense of place and identity, setting neighborhoods apart.
How to Establish a Local Historical Landmark: Step by Step
Designating an old building as a historical landmark follows a clear, structured process. While specific steps vary by city or county, the general path involves research, application, and public review.
- Step 1: Conduct Initial Research — The first step is to build a case for the property's significance. This involves gathering evidence about its history, architecture, and role in the community. You'll need to document its age, original owner, architectural style, and any important events or people associated with it. Check local library archives, historical societies, and property records to compile a compelling narrative.
- Step 2: Contact Your Local Preservation Commission — Most municipalities have a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) or a similar board. For instance, the HPC in Webster Groves, Missouri, is empowered to research and recommend properties for protection. Reaching out to this body early is crucial. They can provide guidance on local criteria, application forms, and the specific requirements for nomination in your area.
- Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Nomination Application — With guidance from the HPC, you will complete a formal nomination application. This document typically includes the historical research you've gathered, photographs of the property, a detailed description of its physical features, and a statement explaining why it meets the criteria for designation. Be thorough and precise, as this document is the foundation of your case.
- Step 4: Await Staff Review and Recommendation — Once submitted, the application is usually reviewed by city planning or historic preservation staff. They will verify your research, assess the property against official criteria, and prepare a report and recommendation for the Historic Preservation Commission. This is a technical review to ensure all requirements are met.
- Step 5: Participate in the Public Hearing — The HPC will hold a public hearing to consider the nomination. As the nominator, you will have a chance to present your case. Property owners, neighbors, and other community members can also provide testimony in support of or opposition to the designation. This transparent process ensures community buy-in and addresses any concerns.
- Step 6: Receive a Final Decision from the Governing Body — Following the public hearing, the HPC will vote on whether to recommend the designation to the city council or county commission. The final decision rests with this elected governing body. If they approve the designation, the property is officially recognized as a local historical landmark and is often added to a local register, such as the Register of Historic Places maintained by the City of Reno.
Benefits of Local Historical Landmarks for Community Identity
Designating a historic landmark is an investment in a community's economic future and cultural enrichment. The benefits are wide-ranging, encompassing financial perks and cultural value beyond just saving an old building.
One of the most practical advantages is access to financial incentives. A rehabilitated historic property may be eligible for a 20% federal tax credit, according to a report from Alfandre Architecture. The firm also notes that the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive program has leveraged over $33 billion in private investment nationwide, demonstrating its power as an economic engine. These incentives make it more feasible for owners to undertake high-quality rehabilitation projects that preserve historic character.
Historic status can also provide valuable flexibility with zoning and building codes. To preserve the unique nature of a site, owners may be able to bypass certain modern restrictions, such as setback requirements or other land-use regulations that would be impossible to meet with a historic structure. This allows for creative and sensitive adaptations that might otherwise be prohibited.
Historic preservation is fundamental to cultural heritage, with landmarks serving as physical reminders of a community's shaping people, events, and ideas. They foster identity and continuity, enriching lives and providing educational opportunities. The national organization Saving Places considers preservation essential to collective wellbeing, ensuring a community's full history is acknowledged and carried forward.
Historic preservation offers measurable economic benefits. Heritage tourism significantly drives local economies, attracting visitors who stay longer and spend more, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Preservation is a smart economic development strategy; some officers state historic property values could rise 5-35% over a decade, making districts stable and desirable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Landmark Process
- Assuming Any Old Building Qualifies. A building's age is just one factor. To be eligible, a property must also possess historical integrity (it still looks much like it did in the past) and significance (it's associated with important events, people, or architectural styles). Simply being old is not enough.
- Failing to Build Community Support. A nomination driven by a single individual without broader support can face significant opposition. Engage with neighbors, the property owner (if that's not you), and local historical societies early on. A strong coalition demonstrates to decision-makers that the designation has community-wide value.
- Submitting an Incomplete or Inaccurate Application. The nomination form is a legal and historical document. Vague descriptions, unverified claims, or missing information can delay the process or lead to a denial. Take the time to be meticulous with your research and documentation.
- Ignoring the Long-Term Commitment. Achieving designation is the beginning, not the end. Maintaining a historic property requires ongoing care and investment. Owners should have a realistic financial plan and understand the responsibilities that come with stewardship. Resources like the guidance provided by the Texas Historical Commission can be invaluable for long-term care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does historic designation mean I can never change my property?
Historic designation does not freeze a property in time; it requires major exterior changes to be reviewed for compatibility with the building's historic character. Routine maintenance, interior remodeling not affecting structure, and minor repairs typically do not require review. The goal is to manage change, not prevent it.
What are the main financial benefits of owning a designated historic property?
The primary financial benefits include potential eligibility for federal and state historic tax credits for rehabilitation projects, which can significantly offset costs. Additionally, some localities offer property tax abatements or grants. Over the long term, properties in historic districts often see stable or increased property values.
How long does the local landmark designation process usually take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the municipality's procedures, the complexity of the nomination, and the commission's meeting schedule. Generally, you can expect the process to take anywhere from six months to over a year from application submission to the final vote by the city council.
The Bottom Line
Establishing and maintaining a local historical landmark strengthens a community's connection to its past, providing tangible economic and cultural benefits. It transforms old buildings into celebrated assets that define a neighborhood's character. For those inspired to protect local history, the journey begins with research and a conversation with your local historic preservation commission.
