Achieving a Historic Designation In Tacoma

How do I apply for an historic designation for my home?

Being as rich with history as it is, Tacoma is naturally populated with lots of beautiful locations and buildings that have earned historic designations – places like Fort Nisqually, Union Station, and even Engine House No. 9. But did you know that it may be possible for your own home to be included on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places?

Beyond the pride of having your home recognized, there are some very real benefits that come along with an historic designation.

But first, how do you know if your home qualifies? Right off the bat, your home must be at least 50 years old, and maintain the integrity of its initial design, workmanship, vibe, and location – in other words, it's got to have a similar look and feel to how it was when it was originally built, carrying the weight of its historical significance. From then on, things get a touch complicated, as your home must meet one of six criteria: it's associated with historical events or people; it evokes the aesthetic of a particular time period, or possesses a unique design; it may provide interesting historical information; it's part of an historic district worth preserving; or it represents a classic visual feature of the neighborhood or city.

Obviously, there's a bit of a gray area to some of these requirements, and those get ironed out when you go through the process of nominating your home for the designation. Fill out the nomination form on the City of Tacoma's website, being sure to describe the home's history, appearance, and condition. After the Landmarks Council decides that your home qualifies, the final say comes down to a vote from the City Council. If you're wondering about whether or not your home fits the bill, the Northwest Room at Tacoma’s Main Library is a great resource for researching its past.

As for the benefits of getting a historic designation for your home, there are so many! There a number of financial incentives, including up to ten years of reduced property taxes, tax credits for building rehabilitation, special loans for repairs, and the ability to transfer development rights over another party. Most importantly, once your home is named a landmark, it has that added layer of protection and care to help it stick around for future generations to see!

To navigate the further ins and outs of getting an historic designation, cityoftacoma.org has tons of information to guide you through the process.