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Content current as of 07/14/26

Historic Landmarks

The City of Tacoma maintains the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, which includes individually registered City Landmarks in addition to Historic Districts and Conservation Districts.

Tacoma Register of Historic Places

There are over 190 properties individually listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, ranging in age from the 1870s through the 1950s. Landmark buildings and properties are scattered throughout the city, and represent a wide variety of perspectives, architectural design, and local history.

Nominations of properties to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places may be made by citizens or property owners, which are then reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. If found to meet the criteria, the Commission makes recommendations for designation to City Council. Changes to the exteriors of City Landmark properties must be approved by the Landmarks Commission.

How to Nominate a Site for the Tacoma Register of Historic Places

To successfully nominate a building to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, you must document both its physical and cultural history using a Tacoma Register nomination form.

The property must:

  • Be 40 years old or older at the time of nomination, and
  • Retain integrity of the location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association so it is able to convey its historical, cultural or architectural significance, and
  • Have owner consent if property is under 125 years of age, and
  • Meet one of the following criteria:
  1. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
  2. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
  3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
  4. Has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history; or
  5. Abuts a property that is already listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places and was constructed within the period of significance of the adjacent structure; or
  6. Is already individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places; or
  7. Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristics, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or City.

Nomination Process

​After gathering the historical information, use the nomination form (available in the column to the right) to record the historical narrative and the physical appearance and condition of the property. Contact the Historic Preservation Office if you have questions.

​The Historic Preservation Office will schedule completed nominations for a preliminary review before the Landmarks Commission. When new landmark nominations are under review, they are posted on the Landmarks Commission web page.

If the Landmarks Commission finds that the property appears to meet the designation criteria, it is scheduled for a public hearing. If approved, the nomination is then forwarded to City Council.

NOTE: The process takes approximately four to six months. Properties intending to apply for special tax valuation for the coming year must be nominated by June of that year.

​The City Council votes on the designation at their next available agenda.

​Once designated, changes to City landmarks are subject to design review by the Landmarks Commission. Such projects may qualify for the City’s Special Tax Valuation Program, the Historic Rehabilitation and Repair Loan Program, and potentially other development incentives (such as Transfer of Development Rights).