Preliminary Evaluation and Nomination Processes

To be listed on the national and state historic registers, a property must go through a preliminary evaluation process and then be nominated to the registers. Requests for nominations to the state and national registers are reviewed by a special committee of the Department of Historic Resources (DHR), the State Review Board. In most cases, the board makes its preliminary determination based on the information submitted in a Preliminary Information Form. The Preliminary Information Form is not a nomination report. It is rather a means of obtaining sufficient information for the State Review Board to judge if a property or district warrants more detailed documentation for nomination as required by the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places. Before completing a Preliminary Information Form, refer to the step-by-step guide to the evaluation process.

When it is judged to be complete, the Preliminary Information Form is reviewed by the department's Register Evaluation Team. This interdisciplinary committee meets twice a month and makes a recommendation regarding a property or district's eligibility to the State Review Board. Such factors as the architectural integrity of the structure(s), historical background, and regional representation on the register are considered by the board members in their evaluation. The National Register and Virginia Landmarks Register Criteria for Evaluation is used in the determination. If the board judges the information sufficient, it will act upon the question of the property or district's eligibility. The board may concur with the staff recommendation that the property or district is eligible for listing, request further information, or make recommendations.

Upon the State Review Board determining a resource is eligible, a formal nomination to the registers comes next. Nomination forms require detailed historical and architectural documentation proving that the resource meets certain criteria. Many owners hire private consultants to prepare the nomination. Before proceeding with a nomination, refer to the step-by-step guide to the nomination process.

The length of time for the completion of a nomination depends on the preparer and the nature of the resource. For nominations prepared by private consultants, the time period rests with the consultant.

The Department of Historic Resources has continually maintained high standards for properties listed on the national and Virginia registers. Registration is thus selective and honorific. Department staff will be glad to answer questions regarding the register program and procedures.

Preliminary Information Forms
The Preliminary Information Forms can be printed by selecting the appropriate link below. Please refer to the guide to the evaluation process before beginning. Once completed, the form must be submitted to your nearest regional office. The form serves as a starting point for the historical and architectural documentation DHR staff needs to assess your property's eligibility for the registers. Please note that the evaluation process of the forms usually takes three to four months to complete.

In order to read and print the following forms, Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer (free software). Download Acrobat Reader now.

Register Main Page

Style Sheet Reference for Nomination Writing

List of Virginia Properties on the State and National Registers

County and City Listings--Nomination Forms for Properties

Preliminary Evaluation and Nomination Process

Downloading Preliminary Evaluation and Nomination Forms
 

The Academy of Music, in Lynchburg, is one of a few surviving vaudeville theater and opera houses in Virginia. It is currently being rehabilitated. Listed on the registers in 1968





Built in 1914, Jack's Creek Covered Bridge, in Patrick County, spans 48 feet and is a rare survivor in the state. Listed on the registers in 1973





One of America's most noted works of Georgian architecture, Kenmore, in Fredericksburg, was home to George Washington's sister. Listed on the registers in 1970




Edinburg Mill, in Shenandoah County, was built in 1850 as a large gristmill. It is being adaptively reused as a restaurant. Listed on the registers in 1979




The Mecklenburg County Courthouse is one of Virginia's courthouses influenced by Thomas Jefferson. Listed on the registers in 1975




The Hotel William Byrd, in Richmond, was built in 1925 to serve the patrons of the Broad Street railroad station. The hotel closed in the 1980s and was rehabilitated in 1996 as apartments for the elderly. Listed on the registers in 1996