Preservation Tool Highlight: National Register of Historic Places - Survey Only
Survey only is one of the lowest level steps toward historic designation. This property is not yet listed on the National Register. An architectural historian simply identified the property as a potential candidate. This happens when someone drives by the site while conducting a "windshield survey." The property's visual characteristics stand out as a place of interest. The building may have architectural interest or seem older than its surroundings. More historic research and evaluation still need to occur to determine special significance.
The National Register is the official list of the nation’s places worthy of preservation. Historic research and architectural survey work help identify these places. The work is often grant funded through local municipalities. The National Park Service (NPS) administers the program. The list includes both historic districts and individual properties. National Register listing gives access to historic rehabilitation tax credit programs. It is a largely honorary historic designation with no extra local regulation. Because of this, demolition usually goes unchecked in National Register areas. Some federally funded projects must consider whether they will negatively impact historic places. If so, they must work with the local community to try to mitigate their adverse effects.
