Historic Preservation

• 227 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
• Corcoran Gallery of Art
• Demolition by Neglect
• Franklin School
• Historic Preservation Review Board
• McMillan Reservoir
• St. Elizabeths
• The Third Church of Christ, Scientist
• Union Station
• Walter Reed

 

The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, is responsible for guiding the local government and the public on matters related to historic preservation. Specific functions of the HPRB include review and public hearings on legislation related to historic preservation, proposed changes and alterations to buildings listed on the local inventory of historic places, and new construction in local historic districts. The HPRB uses standards established by the Secretary of the Interior’s in reviewing projects.

Under National Park Service regulations (36 CFR Part 61), all Review Board members must have demonstrated competence, interest, or knowledge in historic preservation. The HPRB must include at least one person qualified in each of three disciplines --- history, archaeology, and architectural history ---although a single qualified member may represent more than one discipline. The remaining professional members must represent one of 12 identified disciplines: archaeology (prehistoric and historic), architectural history, conservation, cultural anthropology, curation, engineering, folklore, historic architecture, historic landscape architecture, historic preservation, historic preservation planning, or history.

Given the functions of the HPRB, its membership and effective operation is of importance. As such, the Committee of 100 from time to time will not only testify before the HPRB, but we will comment on proposed appointees to the Board.