National Register of Historic Places plaque on the 1850 William Beith House in St. Charles, Illinois.
A building with a shiny brass plaque, prominently placed on a primary façade, signifies its historic significance. Such a plaque is presumed to be a shield that protects the building from modifications or even demolition.
This is not true!
In reality, there are multiple issuers of plaques. Crucially, they mean very different things depending on whom the plaque comes from, and none prevent modifications or demolition. Here are some of the common plaques and what they mean:
HISTORICAL SOCIETY PLAQUE
Plaques from historical societies or local history museums are the most common and are honorary. Usually, these plaques are purchased by the owner and subject to standards determined by the society or museum. Significantly, these plaques offer no protection from demolition or alterations.
NATIONAL REGISTER PLAQUE
Perhaps perceived as the shiniest and most illustrious of plaques is one from the National Register of Historic Places. Surprisingly, National Register designation offers very little protection. ONLY when an alteration to the building or its demolition requires a federal permit or uses federal money is a review of the proposed work conducted. Since this is rare, a building with only a National Register plaque can be modified or demolished at any time regardless of its significance. Certain modifications can even cause it to LOSE ITS DESIGATION (see this article about Soldier Field). Now, a shiny plaque from the National Register is not entirely meaningless. A building on the National Register is eligible for certain federal tax incentives, depending on the building and work undertaken. Plus, it's cool to show off!
CITY PLAQUE
This is the gold star! A plaque from a city designating a building as a local landmark offers the greatest protection for a building. As a local landmark, all exterior alterations, or a proposed demolition, are reviewed per the city’s historic preservation ordinance. The specifics vary from city to city, but generally, the requirements for approval of modifications or demolition are no more onerous than any other city building code or neighborhood covenant. City plaques can also signify that a building is eligible for financial incentives like façade grants or state property tax freezes for rehabilitation, depending on the municipality.
KANE COUNTY PLAQUE
A Kane County plaque offers a similar amount of protection as a city plaque. Just like a municipality with a historic preservation ordinance, Kane County also has one. In fact, Kane County was the first county in the state to pass a historic preservation ordinance! Historic buildings in the county but not within a city limit are eligible. The county has 50 landmarks including one historic district (LaFox) and four historic Rustic Roads.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
One important thing to remember is that not all designated historic properties have plaques. Buildings within a locally designated historic district have the same protection as individually landmarked buildings, even a brand-new building. Each building within a district is categorized as “non-contributing,” “contributing,” or “significant” in a survey completed when the historic district was created. The amount of scrutiny the city gives to alterations or demolition of a building within its historic district is, in part, guided by these categories. As we noted in a previous blog post, cities should update these categories from time to time because a building's significance can change.
Not sure what kind of plaque you find or what it means? Call or email us or your local planning department and ask!
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