What makes something historic?

Nominations answer that question.

Historic designations acknowledge properties that are significant. A graceful arched bridge, a handsome Art Deco skyscraper, and an iconic Grain Belt Beer sign have noteworthy design features that are readily apparent. The importance of other properties might be less obvious–a string of 150 boathouses on Lake Vermilion, a Modernist landscape, an early twentieth-century automobile assembly plant. Regardless, individual properties and historic districts reflect the cornucopia of America’s history from prehistoric times into the late twentieth century.

The National Register of Historic Places is mostly honorary, but this status qualifies properties for historic tax credits for substantial rehabilitation projects and offers some protection against damage from federal actions. Landmark designation by a local heritage preservation commission, on the other hand, is accompanied by design review.

We have successfully nominated hundreds of properties for historic designation and have extensive experience with related processes including historic tax credit applications, Section 106 compliance, and local preservation commission reviews.