At Io LandArch, we work on historic places (landscapes, buildings, and districts) across Utah and Idaho with one core goal: helping communities uncover, understand, and carry forward their shared stories. Historic preservation is not just about protecting old places; it is also about strengthening identity, continuity, and a sense of belonging.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes and involves close coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), along with the preparation of technical documents such as Cultural Landscape Reports, Reconnaissance Level Surveys, and, today’s topic, National Register of Historic Places nominations. These processes can feel unfamiliar or opaque, even to people deeply invested in their communities.
Building on our earlier post about Reconnaissance Level Surveys, this article offers a clear introduction to one of the most widely recognized preservation tools in the United States: the National Register of Historic Places.
What began as a National Register Nomination for a small vernacular structure in Ephraim, Utah (the Ephraim Relief Society) became an extensive research project to discover the voices of women in early Utah and pioneer history, who were often silenced. The process included obtaining oral histories, extensive primary research, and community outreach. The Granary was saved in 1990 by a group of women artists and community advocates, and today the building is home to Granary Arts, a woman-led non-profit. Rhonda of Evalogue Life went on to assist Granary Arts in a public awareness campaign to share the unique history of the building with the broader community, and to draw attention to the ongoing activities happening around and in the building today.
So, What Is the National Register of Historic Places?
You may already recognize the National Register of Historic Places (often abbreviated as NRHP) from plaques on historic buildings, mentions in local histories, or discussions of preservation tax credits.
The National Register is the official list of historic places in the United States that are considered worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, it is administered by the National Park Service as part of a nationwide program to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archaeological resources.
As the National Park Service describes it, the NRHP exists to coordinate and support public and private efforts to recognize places that reflect the nation’s cultural, architectural, and historical heritage. Today, the Register includes more than 100,000 listings, representing roughly two million contributing resources, including buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects. Nearly every county in the United States has at least one listed place (National Park Service Website).
Io LandArch completed the successful nomination of Sunnyfield Barn in Ogden Valley for the National Register of Historic Places. Completed in 1927, the barn is typical of Improvement Era dairy barns in Utah, has had relatively few alterations and remains in its original location.
What Does an NRHP Nomination Involve?
To be listed in the National Register, a property or district must be documented through a formal nomination. This nomination is prepared according to federal standards and submitted to SHPO for review. After state-level review and approval, nominations are forwarded to the National Park Service for final evaluation and listing.
A nomination typically includes:
- A clear statement of historical significance
- Documentation of integrity (how well the place conveys its historic character)
- Historical research and context
- Maps, photographs, and drawings
The process is rigorous by design. Its purpose is not simply to celebrate age, but to thoughtfully evaluate why a place matters and how it contributes to a broader historical narrative. If you are interested in learning more about this process, check out this article from Utah’s SHPO.
The Art Castle originated as a church building that was turned into a recording studio for many years before being purchased by the Utah Arts Alliance. Io LandArch collaborated with Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies to complete the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Art Castle. In addition to capturing the photographs for the nomination, Io completed the complex architectural description for the complex building that features both Victorian and Art Deco styles.
Why Does an NRHP Listing Matter?
Listing in the National Register does not place restrictions on private property owners or automatically prevent change. Instead, it provides recognition, documentation, and a framework for thoughtful decision-making.
An NRHP listing can:
- Formally recognize a place’s historical or cultural significance
- Create eligibility for certain federal preservation incentives, including historic tax credits (typically for income-producing residential or commercial properties)
- Strengthen grant competitiveness for preservation and planning funding
- Raise public awareness and pride in local history
- Provide a shared reference point for planning, design, and stewardship
Even when financial incentives do not apply, such as for publicly owned or nonprofit properties, listing can still be valuable as a tool for education, advocacy, and long-term visioning.
Io completed the successful nomination of the J.M. Wilbur Company Blacksmith shop in Eden, Utah to the National Register of Historic Places. The shop, built in 1898 and rehabilitated in 2011-2014, is a one-part block commercial building with a stepped gable parapet and Late Victorian commercial details. The building is both historically and architecturally significant, with a period of significance dating from 1898, when it was built by Jesse Wilbur, to 1951, when Jesse passed away.
When the National Register May Not Be the Right Tool
The NRHP is a powerful tool, but it is not always the right fit. Some places can be difficult to list under current criteria. Communities may prioritize storytelling, interpretation, or adaptive reuse without pursuing formal designation.
Preservation does not begin or end with the National Register. Surveys, local designations, interpretive planning, and sensitive design work are all meaningful ways to honor history.
At Ogden Business Exchange Commons, historic loading ramps have been re-purposed as interpretive signage and historic feeding troughs as planter benches. This is another example of a way to tell community history!
The Big Picture
Whether or not an NRHP nomination is the right next step for you, asking the question is always worthwhile. Understanding what a place is, why it matters, and how it fits into a community’s evolving story is foundational to good planning and design.
Historic preservation matters because places matter. Places anchor memory, reflect shared values, and help communities navigate change without losing their sense of self. At Io LandArch, we see preservation as an active, creative practice that connects past, present, and future through thoughtful stewardship of land and place.
If you’re curious about what tools might best help you preserve and honor your historic site or landscape, we’re always open to the conversation.
