submitted by Jerry Morse – 2/7/2026

The building that housed Classical from 1914 to 1966 was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1980. 

Being on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) means a property is officially recognized by the federal government as worthy of preservation due to its significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. 

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Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), listing provides a formal recognition but is largely honorary for private owners, emphasizing documentation and planning rather than strict regulation. 

Key Implications of Listing

• Property Owner Rights: For non-federal owners, listing does not restrict the right to alter, manage, sell, or even demolish the property under federal law. Owners are not required to restore their property or open it to the public.
• Financial Incentives: Owners may become eligible for a 20% federal income tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing (commercial or rental) historic buildings. Some states also offer grants or state-level tax credits for private residences.
• Federal Project Review: Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, federal agencies must consider the impact of their projects (e.g., highway construction or federally funded development) on listed properties and allow for public comment.
• Plaques: Listing does not automatically provide a plaque; owners must typically purchase their own from private manufacturers. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be listed, a property must generally be at least 50 years old and retain its historic integrity (looking much as it did in the past). It must meet at least one of four criteria: 

1. Event: Associated with events that significantly contributed to broad patterns of history.
2. Person: Associated with the lives of significant people from our past.
3. Design/Construction: Embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction (e.g., work of a master).
4. Information Potential: Likely to yield important historical or archaeological information. 

National vs. Local Designation

A common misconception is that National Register status is the same as local historic designation. 

• National Register: Primarily provides recognition and incentives; does not regulate private changes.
• Local Districts: Created by local ordinances, these often do require a design review process for exterior changes or demolition to protect the community’s character.