Two private residences in Bloomfield Hills are now in the National Register of Historic Places!
In addition to Cranbrook and the Affleck/Frank Loyd Wright House, we’re proud to announce that Bloomfield Hills now has two owner-occupied private residences in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the nation’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology and culture. The records are maintained in Washington, D.C. by the National Park Service/U.S. Department of the Interior. Under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, states work in partnership with the federal government to expand the list according to national standards. There are more than 1,000 properties/districts in Michigan listed in the National Register.
The State Historic Preservation Office
To help the federal government administer provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, every state has a designated State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that, among other things, assists with the National Register process. A Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board appointed by the governor aids the SHPO in this regard. Its nine members are responsible for reviewing and approving nominations to the National Register. Academic disciplines represented by the SHPO’s staff and the Review Board include history, archeology, architecture, architectural history and related fields. More info about the SHPO can be found at www.michigan.gov/shpo
How can my house be considered for the National Register of Historic Places?
Generally properties over 50 years old may be considered for the National Register through a public nomination process. Propertyowners often initiate a nomination, but any individual, local historical society, community group or even the State of Michigan maypropose a nomination. Submitting a preliminary questionnaire to the SHPO is the first step in nominating a property. If deemed viable, the next step is to complete the actual nomination form that describes the property and documents its significance. You can choose to prepare the form yourself, or engage a consultant to conduct the research and assemble the materials. About one-third of applicants prepare their own nomination form. It can be done! Once the SHPO approves the nomination, it is placed on the calendar for consideration by the Board at one of their three annual public meetings in Lansing. The Board then makes its recommendations to the SHPO. If approved the application is sent to Washington, D.C. where the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places renders the final decision. The contact for applying for the National Register is Robert O. Christensen, National Register Coordinator, phone (517) 335-2719 or email at christensenro@michigan.gov
What are the benefits of being included in the National Register?
Historic homes are tangible links with our past; they impart a sense of identity, stability and orientation to our community. Listing in the National Register honors these properties and recognizes their importance to our community, state, and nation through various means. Also, a state income tax credit of 25% is available for qualified rehabilitations. This tax credit program provides a real incentive for homeowners to rehabilitate their homes according to Department of the Interior standards. While qualified expenditures include things like reroofing, painting and furnace, other associated fees for architectural and engineering services, site surveys, legal expenses, etc. are also eligible. These expenditures can accumulate over a five year period. The contact for the state tax credit program is Bryan Lijewski, Architectural Coordinator, phone (517) 373-1631, email lijewskib@michigan.gov. More info on these tax credits can be found on www.michigan.gov/hpcredit
Are homes in the National Register subject to restrictions or regulations?
No! Neither listing in the National Register nor an official determination of eligibilityrestricts your rights in any way. Listing a property will not prevent you from selling your house, renovating it as you see fit, or adapting it to a new use.
Information provided by the Bloomfield Historical Society in cooperation with the City of Bloomfield Hills. Download the document here.