An Overview of the National Register of Historic Places
What is the
National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is a Congressionally mandated listing of buildings and places which have historic significance to their local communities. The Register was designed to be a catalyst for local historic preservation activities. Each state administers its own version of the program, in which properties are "nominated" for listing on the register at the state level, and once approved are passed to the U.S. Government for final approval. Most state approved nominations are accepted by the Federal authorities. The Federal component of the program is administered by the National Park Service in the Department of the Interior.
It is not necessary that "George Washington slept here" for a property to be on the National Register. Those buildings and places that have national significance are generally designated as National Historic Landmarks -- a much higher standard of importance. In contrast, the National Register provides communities with a means of honoring and recording the history of buildings and places which are important to them. (top)
Benefits to Owners
Are there benefits to building owners to have their properties on the National Register? Yes, but. Once an Oregon property is on the National Register it is eligible for the state's Special Assessment program. For residences, this program offers a 15 year freeze of assessed property value for tax purposes in return for a program of restoration and rehabilitation plus an agreement to open the property to the public for one day a year. The benefits are somewhat better for commercial property. There are, however, some restrictions.
For a professional historian's view of the National Register listing program and an informative overview of the economic benefits to owners, written by Irvington's own Amy McFeeters-Krone, click here. (top)
Achieving the Goals of Historic Preservation
"Yes, but I heard that you can't change the property without lots of red tape?" The National Register listing itself doesn't bring any restrictions on modifications or use of the property. However, properties in the city of Portland come under the city's rules for historic properties. (In other Oregon communities, similar rules may apply.) Changes to the use or exterior appearance of the property will have to be reviewed by the Portland Landmarks Commission if the scope of the changes would have required a building permit anyway. This review is in addition to the building permit process. Additional restrictions may arise from the Special Assessment program. Finally, owners of individually listed National Register properties who wish to demolish their properties are subject to Demolition Review, which can result in denial of a demolition permit. (top)
Is this necessarily bad? The whole idea of "Historic Preservation" is that buildings and places which contribute to our sense of place, the character of our community, and the understanding of our history should not be wantonly destroyed or carelessly modified. It does not mean that change cannot be allowed. Many National Register listed buildings in the Portland metro area have been adapted to new uses and have been extensively modified accordingly. The key, though is that their historic features are preserved. Despite some isolated horror stories, many owners have found the National Register program highly valuable both in reducing costs and in making a contribution to our community's stock of character-defining historic properties. (top)
Preservation for Posterity
"But what if I want to insure that my home or building is really preserved "as is" for posterity?" You can insure the preservation of your property into the distant future with a "Preservation Easement". This is a permanent, irrevocable legal encumbrance on the title of the property which binds all future owners to meet certain standards of preservation and maintenance. The foundation of this protection is a State of Oregon program administered by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon. Their website provides more information. (top)
For more information see these links:
Each month the State Historic Preservation Office publishes a list of properties open to the public for one day under the Special Assessment program. Click here for the latest list...
