1 Landmark

[Ane Neemann]

LandmarkPreservation's quarterly newsletter covers local designation news, current initiatives and ways to participate, as well as educational opportunities and resources for landmark property owners in Denver.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Interior Secretary Gale Norton joined Priscilla Presley today in announcing the designation of Graceland, home of the king of rock 'n' roll Elvis Presley, as a National Historic Landmark. Norton made the announcement during a special ceremony on the grounds of Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee."It didn't take Americans and the rest of the world long to discover Elvis Presley," Norton said, "and it is abundantly clear that they will never forget him. His popularity continues to thrive nearly 29 years after his passing, with each new generation connecting with him in a significant way."Elvis Presley, known throughout the world by his first name, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of 20th century music and popular culture, and his status as a cultural icon appears ever stronger as time goes by. His extraordinary talents produced achievements that remain unparalleled in American and world history. The international superstar was an accomplished and influential artist in several genres of music - rock, pop, country, R&B and gospel - and he triumphed on television, the concert stage and the silver screen. Elvis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame - the only artist with the distinction of being honored by all three.It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold more than one billion records worldwide."In recognition of Elvis Presley's achievements and contributions to American culture and musical history, today we designate his home Graceland as a National Historic Landmark," Norton said. "This is our nation's highest recognition for historic properties."Graceland was Presley's primary residence for 20 years of his 23-year career and is the one site most associated with him. Elvis Presley's Graceland is one of the five most visited home museums in the United States and the most recognizable residence in the nation after The White House. Since its opening to the public in 1982, millions of fans from around the globe have toured Graceland and its ancillary attractions. "American culture and music changed irreversibly because of Elvis," said Norton. "It would be difficult to tell the story of the 20th century without discussing the many contributions made by this legendary, iconic artist."The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest such recognition accorded by our nation to historic properties. These special places are the actual sites where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, and represent the ideas that shaped our nation. Fewer than 2,500 historic places carry the title of National Historic Landmark."Elvis loved Graceland and was so proud of it," stated his former wife, Priscilla Presley. "This home was his private corner of the world that he shared with his family and his closest friends. To him, having Graceland also was a tangible symbol of how far he had come from his very humble beginnings. Elvis would be honored and moved to know his beloved home is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. On his behalf I am truly grateful to Secretary Norton and the Department of the Interior and all who contributed to making this recognition occur. ""Graceland is my childhood home and it holds so many great memories of the time I shared there with my father, our family and our friends," said Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley and sole owner of Graceland Mansion. "Graceland has come to mean so much to Elvis fans around the world, millions of whom have visited and millions more who look forward to doing so. It is my honor to have shared it with my father's adoring public all these years and I am committed to ensuring that it will be preserved forever for all future generations of fans and of my family to enjoy. This landmark designation comes purely due to the fact that the legendary Elvis Presley called Graceland home. It's a significant statement about how much my father has meant to the world and it only makes me prouder of him."

Prepare and periodically revise an inventory of the structures and areas that may be eligible for designation as historic landmarks. Prepare, review and propose amendments to the Historic Landmark Preservation Plan. Review requests to establish or remove a historic designation, make recommendations on the requests to the Land Use Commission, as determined in accordance with Section 25-1-46 (Land Use Commission). Section 2-1-147 of the City Code.

A landmark designation can be submitted by the community. Preservation staff will make an initial review in consultation with the applicant, and bring forward the nomination to the HPC for their direction.

It means your building has special historical, cultural, or aesthetic value to the City of New York, state or nation, is an important part of the City's heritage and that LPC must approve in advance any alteration, reconstruction, demolition, or new construction affecting the designated building.

Historic districts are collections of landmark buildings that, together, create a distinct sense of place. Individual landmarks are standalone structures that have architectural, cultural, or historical significance. The regulatory process is the same for historic districts and individual landmarks, although certain features and sites may be identified as significant at the time of designation. Many of the City's individual landmarks are located in historic districts. Owners of individual landmarks and buildings within historic districts are required to obtain permits from the Landmarks Commission for most types of alterations.

Yes. Every designated structure, whether it is an individual landmark or a building in a historic district, is protected under the Landmarks Law and subject to the same review procedures. If you want to perform minor work or make alterations to your building (with the exception of ordinary repairs and interior alterations mentioned below), you must obtain the Commission's approval before you begin the work.

Yes. Ordinary exterior repairs and maintenance, like replacing broken window glass or removing small amounts of painted graffiti don't require a permit. Interior work generally does not require LPC review, except in the following cases:

The law protects landmarks from "demolition by neglect," which occurs when buildings have deteriorated to the point of collapse or where significant architectural features are damaged. To prevent demolition by neglect, the Landmarks Law requires that designated properties be kept in good repair. You may be issued a violation if you fail to keep a landmark building in a state of good repair. This provision is similar to the Buildings Department's requirement that all New York City buildings must be maintained in a safe condition.

No. Landmark designation does not "freeze" a building or an area. Alterations, demolition, and new construction continue to take place, but LPC must review the proposed changes and determine whether they are appropriate. This review helps ensure that the special qualities of the designated buildings are not compromised or destroyed. In addition, new construction may occur when an owner of a vacant lot or building of no significance in a historic district wishes to construct a new building on the site. The Commission has approved such proposals when the design of the new building was found to be appropriate to the character of the historic district.

Yes. However, the Commission works hard to obtain owner support for its designations. When a building is designated, owners enter into a long-term partnership with the Commission. The partnership is strengthened when there is owner support.

The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings and sites of local, state, or national importance. This program is administered by the National Park Service through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

The Commission cannot make you do work on your building, and only reviews work when changes are proposed. For example, if prior to designation the stoop was removed and a ground-level entrance installed, the Commission cannot make you replace the stoop. However, if your building has modern windows or doors and you want to replace them, the Commission would apply its standards in reviewing these changes. Similarly, if a highly visible and inappropriate rooftop addition had been added prior to designation, the Commission cannot make you remove the addition. But, if you desire to change the design of the addition, the Commission would review those changes in accordance with its standards of appropriateness.

The Commission meets the first Thursday of every month in room 326 of the Salt Lake City and County Building. Meetings and Public Hearings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and are open to the public. However, the Commission may receive training at earlier times as indicated on the agenda. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed.

The Historic Landmark Commission meeting livestream will be available on the following platforms the day of the meeting. If you are interested in participating during the Public Hearing portion of the meetings or provide general comments, email us at historiclandm...@slcgov.com. Public Comments will be read in to record if received prior to closing of the Public Hearing and if they 2 minutes or less in length.

The Commission consists of citizens interested in historic preservation and knowledgeable about the heritage of the City. The Commission should include at least two architects and other members with preservation related experience and qualifications such as:

The Historic Preservation Division staffs the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and reviews all permit applications for work involving designated and proposed Chicago landmarks and landmark districts. The reviews ensure that proposed projects will not adversely affect the significant historical or architectural features of Chicago landmarks or landmark districts.

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