The Raleigh Historic Development Commission, through the Research Committee, maintains the ‘Places Worthy of Preservation’ list.  North Carolina law requires preservation commissions to maintain an inventory of historic properties (see General Statutes 160D-946). A place can be historic for its history, architecture, or cultural significance. Places included on the list may be good Raleigh Historic Landmark candidates. The ‘Places Worthy of Preservation’ list is a planning and research tool. Properties on the list may or may not be within a local or National Register historic district. Inclusion on the list does not offer any protection from zoning action or demolition. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee or start the historic designation process. Places are only removed from the list if demolished or heavily altered. Owner-objection to historic designation does not result in removal from the list.

Currently, the Committee adds places to the list as a result of Commission-initiated research. This research is typically accomplished through historic or architectural surveys. Surveys are planning tools that help establish RHDC’s priorities and goals. Surveys and research may include places suggested by members of the public.  Commission staff have recently received a number of email requests about various properties that could be worthy of inclusion on the list; however, the properties have not been identified through Commission-initiated research.

Recommended Action: Discuss whether a policy should be created for the addition of properties to the ‘Places Worthy of Preservation’ list that were not identified through Commission-initiated research.  If a policy is desired, begin discussing parameters for evaluating properties.

Preservation Raleigh (preservationraleigh.org) has published a 2026 list of ‘Places in Peril’.  On this list, the former Hellenic Orthodox Church at 211 S Person St was identified as a property that should be included in the RHDC’s “Places Worthy of Preservation” list.

Recommended Action: Pending the results of the prior discussion item, discuss whether to add 211 S Person St to the ‘Places Worthy of Preservation’ list and whether to send the property owner a landmark inquiry letter.