Landmark Protection

When Congress enacted the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, they wisely determined that local community residents know their own neighborhoods best. As a result, it is only a City of Seattle landmark designation that can prevent insensitive alteration or demolition of a significant site. Although listing on the National Register of Historic Places, or the Washington Heritage Register are great honors and can generate tax breaks for owners, such listings almost never prevent demolition.

The City of Seattle's historic preservation program is stronger than most communities enjoy because the Landmarks Preservation Board is not advisory to City Council—they can designate landmarks with their own authority. Historic Seattle works closely with City staff to support nominations and designations of historic sites when they are reviewed at the Landmarks Preservation Board meetings. You can learn more about the specifics of the program on line. You can also learn more about the landmarks process and how to prepare a nomination by enrolling in Historic Seattle’s half-day training workshop offered annually. Online registration is available at: Landmark This!