Protocol for getting a building on the National Historic Register

Factual Questions
1

I went to the NHR website, but all it had was criteria for getting on the register… what I want to know is, can I get a building I do not own on the register so that it can be preserved?

A little background: the city I live in is currently undergoing a “renaissance” or gentrification if you will. Basically the land downtown is at a premium, and people are snatching up anything and everything they can get their hands on, tearing down the existing buildings, and putting up townhouses and condos.

I hate this. Everyday I see beautiful old buildings torn down to make way for these soulless monstrosities. I live in an Art Deco apartment building, carefully restored and absolutely gorgeous, IMHO. Picture here. (It really doesn’t do it justice)

There is an empty lot on one side, and the building on the other side has 15 different code violations, and if it isn’t up to code in 30 days it will be condemned and torn down. I’m ok with that- just because it’s kinda old doesn’t mean it should be preserved. It’s a hideous building with no architectural style whatsoever. Unless it is somehow related to some historic event or person, I say tear down the eyesore.

But my neighbor thinks that if it does get torn down, our landlord will sell our building, because it is in a great location, and with half a block of empty land, some developer can come in and put up some more ugly townhouses or whatever.

I do not want this to happen. I love my apartment. It has parquet floors and the original bathroom (unfortunately he had to redo the kitchen, it was not salvageable- but he did a good job and it fits with the style of the place). I think that it has the qualities the NHR is looking for- representative of a particular time period/architectural style. But I don’t know if I am able to apply for historic status, seeing as how I don’t own the building.

Anyone know whether this is possible?

2

Getting a building on the National Register will NOT protect it from demolition. If a project that affected the building was funded with federal money, National Register designation would require a review process, but even that might not save a building.

Actually almost nothing can stop the demolition of a privately owned building by its owner.

However, if you’re still interested, you might check with a local or state Historical Commission. Getting a building listed on a state register is a first step to getting national designation.