Nominate a Property for Local Designation

Anyone may nominate a property for designation as a Protected Site. Protected Site status protects the historic character or significance of a property.

Protected Sites include buildings, structures, sites, landscapes or objects that are linked to people or events of significance to the city. They may also be unique examples of an architectural style or be the work a master designer. The designation can apply to the exterior or interior of a structure. Examples of Protected Sites include City Hall, the Landmark Theatre, Oakwood Cemetery, and the Stickley House.

Preservation Districts are collections of sites, buildings, structures, or objects that are united by past events or by plan or development. Examples of Preservation Districts include Hanover Square, Sedgwick-Highland-James Preservation District, and Berkeley Park.

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board forwards all nominations that meet the selection criteria to the Planning Commission for its consideration. The Common Council approves or disapproves the designation after Planning Commission review.

Nominate a property for Protected Site status

Step 1.Contact preservation staff to discuss your proposed nomination

We encourage you to contact the city preservation staff to discuss your proposed nomination and the nomination process. Preservation staff is available for assistance throughout the research and writing phases of your nomination. Contact preservation staff at SLPB@syr.gov or 315-448-8108.

Step 2.Review the Criteria for Designation

To be eligible for local designation as a Protected Site, a property must meet at least one of the five Criteria for Designation. The criteria are found under Helpful Resources below. These criteria will help guide your research and the documentation of the property.

Step 3.Conduct research on the property

A protected site nomination requires an in-depth description of the history of the property. Historic images, newspaper clippings, and other documentation help to illustrate changes to the property over time. Local archives and research centers can provide important information and documents on your property. Research tools are listed below under Helpful Resources.

Step 4.Download the Protected Site Nomination application

Protected Site Nomination Application(PDF, 336KB)

Step 5.Complete the nomination application

The nomination requires location and ownership information, a map and current description of the property, a detailed historic context statement and a reference list. You will be asked to determine if the nomination applies to only the exterior of the property, the interior of the property, or both (as applicable). Preservation staff can assist you in drafting your nomination by reviewing drafts and making recommendations, as needed.

Step 6.Submit your nomination

You may submit your nomination materials by hand or regular mail to:

Preservation Office
City Hall Commons, Room 512
201 E. Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

Preservation staff will review your application for completeness. Once complete, the application will be included in the next available Landmark Preservation Board agenda for review and consideration. If the board determines that it has sufficient information, it will authorize a public hearing regarding the nomination.