A historic structure is a specific type of historic property identified and documented by the National Register of Historic Places (the National Register). In everyday usage it usually means a building, bridge, canal, ship, locomotive, mine, highway or other constructed work that has significance because of its connection to important people, events, design/engineering, or information potential. The National Register distinguishes “structures” from “buildings” because structures are functional constructions made for purposes other than human shelter (for example, a bridge or lighthouse) even though the listing process and significance criteria are the same (National Park Service). (Sources: Investopedia summary of NPS material; National Park Service.)
Key takeaways
– A “historic structure” is a recognized subcategory of National Register historic property (building, structure, site, object, district).
– To be listed a structure must meet at least one of the National Register’s four criteria and retain sufficient integrity.
– Listing can make a property eligible for grant programs and federal tax incentives for rehabilitation, but it may also trigger local design controls or review requirements.
– Listing on the National Register is a federal recognition administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). (Sources: National Park Service; IRS.)
Understanding the National Register: what “historic structure” means
– Official definition: The National Register recognizes five categories of historic property: buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts. A “structure” is a functional construction made for purposes other than creating human shelter (e.g., bridges, canals, ships, locomotives, highways, silos, windmills).
– Practical meaning: In common speech “historic structure” often means any constructed thing—house, courthouse, railroad trestle, factory, etc.—that has documented historic, architectural, engineering or cultural significance.
– National Historic Landmarks: The United States also designates a subset of especially significant properties as National Historic Landmarks; there are roughly 2,600+ of these nationwide. (Sources: National Park Service; Investopedia summary.)
The four National Register criteria (a structure needs to meet at least one)
A property is eligible for the National Register if it meets one or more of these criteria:
– Criterion A — Event: It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of history.
– Criterion B — Person: It is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
– Criterion C — Design/Construction: It embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represents the work of a master; possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity.
– Criterion D — Information potential: It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (commonly used for archaeological sites).
In addition to meeting a criterion, the property must retain historic integrity — aspects such as location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association — sufficient to convey its significance. The intent is to protect properties with demonstrable cultural or historical relevance rather than every old building. (Source: National Park Service National Register Bulletins; Investopedia summary.)
Benefits and implications of listing
Benefits:
– Recognition of historic significance at the federal level.
– Eligibility for federal rehabilitation tax incentives (for income-producing properties) if rehabilitation follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and receives certification (IRS/NPS).
– Potential eligibility for state and local grants, tax credits, and preservation assistance (varies by jurisdiction).
– Increased public awareness that can help preservation and economic development (heritage tourism, reuse projects). (Sources: National Park Service; IRS.)
Implications and limits:
– National Register listing itself does not place federal restrictions on private property owners using, modifying, or selling their property, except where federal funding, permits or licenses are involved. However, local ordinances and historic district regulations often impose review and approval processes for exterior changes.
– Listing may trigger professional review requirements for projects using public funds or federal permits (Section 106 review).
– Owners seeking federal or state tax incentives must follow defined standards and approval processes. (Sources: National Park Service; IRS.)
Practical steps to nominate a structure to the National Register
Step 1 — Preliminary research and assessment
– Identify the structure’s age, historic functions, architects/engineers, dates of construction, alterations, and history of occupancy/use.
– Gather historic sources: deeds, maps, Sanborn maps, historic photos, published histories, newspaper articles, engineering reports.
– Do a preliminary eligibility check using your SHPO’s guidelines and the National Register criteria. Many SHPOs offer preliminary consultation to assess potential eligibility. (Source: National Park Service “How to List a Property.”)
Step 2 — Contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
– Every state has a SHPO that administers the nomination process and provides forms, guidance, and pre-submission review. Contact the SHPO early to discuss the property and the procedural steps.
– If the property is federally owned, contact the appropriate federal preservation office. (Source: National Park Service.)
Step 3 — Prepare the nomination packet
– Complete the National Register nomination form (or the state’s equivalent), including: a narrative statement of significance explaining which criterion(ia) the property meets, a physical description, historical background, bibliography, site maps, current and historic photographs, and documentation of integrity.
– Be specific about which criterion is claimed and provide supporting evidence (events/persons/design/archaeology). For engineering significance, include technical descriptions of construction methods and any innovations. (Source: National Register Bulletins.)
Step 4 — Review and public process
– Your SHPO will review the nomination and may require revisions. Nominations typically go to the state review board for consideration. Property owners and local officials are notified and given an opportunity to comment. Owner consent rules apply for private properties (there is a process for owner objections).
– If approved by the state board, the SHPO forwards the nomination to the National Park Service for final review and listing. (Source: National Park Service.)
Step 5 — Listing and next steps
– If accepted by the Keeper of the National Register at NPS, the property is listed and becomes eligible for certain programs and protections (see benefits above). Keep copies of the nomination documentation for grant and tax-incentive applications. (Source: National Park Service.)
How to pursue federal historic rehabilitation tax incentives (practical steps)
Federal tax credits apply to income-producing historic buildings (not typically owner-occupied residences).
1. Confirm eligibility: Your property must be listed on the National Register individually or contribute to a listed historic district. (IRS/NPS.)
2. Plan rehabilitation to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (these emphasize retention of historic materials and character-defining features). Pre-approval reduces risk. (NPS.)
3. Submit a Part 1 (Evaluation of Significance) and Part 2 (Description of Rehabilitation) to the NPS/SHPO for approval before work begins (the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program uses a three-part certification process). (NPS/IRS guidance.)
4. After completion, submit Part 3 (Request for Certification of Completed Work) to receive certification that the completed work meets the Standards—this is necessary to claim the credit on your federal tax return. (IRS Publication and NPS guidance.)
5. Work with qualified preservation architects and contractors and maintain detailed documentation/invoices for the rehabilitation. (Sources: National Park Service; IRS “Tax Aspects of the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives – FAQs.”)
Practical guidance for owners and stewards
– Before making changes: Check whether the property is in a local historic district or subject to preservation design review; obtain required permits. Consult your SHPO for federal/state program implications.
– For repairs: Prioritize retaining original materials and character-defining features. Use the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards as guidance for compatible repairs and additions.
– For funding: Explore federal and state tax credits, grants from state historic preservation offices, and nonprofit sources (e.g., local preservation foundations, National Trust for Historic Preservation programs). Some programs require matching funds or compliance with standards.
– Documentation: Keep thorough records of the building’s condition, repair work, and historical documentation—useful for grant/tax applications and future stewardship. (Sources: National Park Service; IRS.)
Common pitfalls and tips
– Pitfall: Assuming “old” equals “historic.” Age alone is not enough; the property must meet a National Register criterion and retain integrity.
– Pitfall: Beginning rehabilitation before consulting SHPO/NPS if you intend to use federal tax credits; pre-approval is critical.
– Tip: Use SHPO consultations early and often—the SHPO can save time by guiding documentation and technical approaches.
– Tip: When in doubt about whether a feature contributes to significance, document and seek professional advice rather than removing historic fabric. (Source: National Park Service guidance.)
Where to get help and authoritative resources
– National Park Service (NPS) — National Register of Historic Places: How to List a Property; National Register Bulletins (practical technical guidance); FAQs.
– State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — check your state’s web pages for contact information, nomination guidance, and funding opportunities.
– IRS — guidance on the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program and tax aspects of rehabilitation projects.
– Local preservation organizations and certified historic preservation professionals (architects, historians, archaeologists) can provide technical help. (Sources: National Park Service; IRS.)
Selected sources
– National Park Service. “How to List a Property.”
– National Park Service. “National Register Bulletin” series (standards and guidelines).
– National Park Service. “National Historic Landmarks Program.”
– National Park Service. “FAQs.”
– Internal Revenue Service. “Tax Aspects of the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives – FAQs.”
– Investopedia summary article: “Historic Structure” (drawing on NPS and IRS materials).
– Review basic facts about a specific structure (age, known history) and suggest likely eligibility under the four criteria; or
– Provide a tailored checklist and template of the documentation typically needed for a National Register nomination; or
– Summarize the steps and documents required to apply for the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit. Which would you like next?