LH-002Local History
Preserving Historic Buildings
Learn the first steps to protect a historic building in your community, from local surveys to tax incentives and official guidance.
What are the first steps to protect a historic building in your community?
Start by documenting what you have. Take clear photographs of the exterior and interior, note architectural details, and record any known history. Next, contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to ask about survey and nomination processes. In parallel, check local landmarks or historic district ordinances, because local designation often provides the quickest protection. Finally, gather a small group of neighbors and consult official guidance from the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These steps create a factual base before you seek formal recognition or funding.
How do you find out if a building is already recognized?
Check with your SHPO and your local planning department. The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list, and your SHPO maintains records of listed properties and pending nominations. Local landmarks are listed in city or county registers. You can also search the National Park Service's weekly list and state inventories. If the building is already listed, any rehabilitation should follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation to remain eligible for certain programs.
What does local designation actually do?
Local designation typically adds a layer of review before demolition or major exterior changes. It does not automatically freeze a building in time, but it gives the community a formal voice. The exact rules vary by municipality, so read your local ordinance and ask planning staff how design review works. Designation can also open doors to preservation grants or tax abatements, though those depend on local and state programs. Always confirm current requirements with your local government.
How can tax incentives help with rehabilitation?
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private investment in rehabilitating and reusing historic buildings. Since 1976 it has leveraged $127.12 billion in private investment to preserve more than 50,000 historic properties, according to the National Park Service. The program is administered by the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices. Applications are fully electronic and must use the current forms dated "(Rev. 6/2023)." For details, see the National Park Service tax incentives page: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htm. This is not financial advice, so consult a tax professional and the latest official guidance before proceeding.
What are the standards for rehabilitation?
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are the regulatory basis for the tax incentives program. They emphasize retaining historic character, repairing rather than replacing original features, and making compatible new additions. The National Park Service provides guidance on planning successful rehabilitations. You can review the standards and application process on the National Park Service site. Following these standards is essential if you hope to qualify for federal tax incentives. When in doubt, hire a preservation consultant or architect experienced with historic projects.
How do you build community support?
Share what you have learned at a neighborhood meeting, a block party, or through a newsletter. Use clear visuals: before-and-after examples, maps, and a simple timeline. Invite local historians, architects, or SHPO staff to answer questions. Emphasize that preservation is about managing change, not preventing it. The National Trust for Historic Preservation offers advice and resources at https://www.preservationnation.org/resources/advice/. You can also partner with nearby schools or historical societies to research the building's past. For ideas on organizing community events, see our guide on how to organize a block party at /community-life/host-block-party/ and starting a neighborhood newsletter at /community-life/community-newsletter/.
What if the building is threatened with demolition?
Act quickly but carefully. Contact your local preservation commission or planning department to ask about demolition review procedures. If the building is in a local historic district, there may be a waiting period or public hearing. Document the condition and take photos. Reach out to your SHPO and statewide preservation organizations for technical help. Sometimes a temporary stay or negotiation with the owner can buy time. If the building is federally owned or federally funded, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act may require review, though rules can change. Always check current official guidance and consult with preservation professionals.
Decision Checklist: First Steps for Protecting a Historic Building
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Photograph and document the building | Creates a record for nominations and advocacy |
| 2 | Contact your SHPO | Official starting point for surveys and National Register questions |
| 3 | Check local ordinances | Determines if local designation or demolition review applies |
| 4 | Assess condition and reuse potential | Helps prioritize repairs and funding strategies |
| 5 | Explore tax incentives | Federal program can support rehabilitation, but rules apply |
| 6 | Build a small coalition | Sustained local support is often decisive |
| 7 | Seek professional advice | Architects, consultants, and preservation staff can guide next steps |
How do you research a building's history?
Use local archives, county deed records, historic maps, and newspaper archives. Your local library or historical society can help. Interview long-time residents and former owners. For a step-by-step approach, see our article on researching your neighborhood's past at /local-history/research-local-history/. Oral history interviews can capture memories that documents miss; our guide on conducting an oral history interview at /local-history/oral-history-interview/ offers practical tips. If you want to preserve these materials, consider building a digital community archive at /local-history/digital-archive-community/.
What ongoing care does a historic building need?
Regular maintenance is the best protection. Keep gutters clean, repair roof leaks promptly, and monitor for water intrusion. Use gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage historic materials. Develop a maintenance calendar and budget for small repairs before they become major problems. If you plan energy upgrades, start with an energy audit to identify cost-effective improvements; see our guide on understanding a home energy audit at /home-and-neighborhood/home-energy-audit/. Preserving a building is a long-term commitment, but it can strengthen the whole neighborhood.
Where can you find reliable advice and funding?
The National Park Service Technical Preservation Services offers extensive free guidance on rehabilitation and tax incentives at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htm. The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides resources, grants, and advocacy tools at https://www.preservationnation.org/resources/advice/. Your SHPO is the key local contact for nominations and state programs. For community organizing, look to local preservation nonprofits and main street programs. Always verify current rules, deadlines, and fees with the official source before making decisions.
