Designation Procedure

1. The completed application, together with supporting material, should be sent to the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society at the above address.
2. The Society’s Landmark Advisory Committee (consisting of Society-appointed Directors and outside consultants) will review the applications and determine if the property fits within the guidelines of the Marker Program or if additional information is required.
3. The Advisory Committee forwards the application and its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final action.
4. The review process and action of the PCHPS Board will require a period of 4-8 weeks depending on the type of application and the amount of study required.
5. To expedite the review process, applicants are requested to submit detailed supporting information including the documentation resources used to determine historical information. Example: Book 5, Page 31, Highland Park City Records Book.
6. All applications must include the written consent of the owner.
7. Special Note:: Do not send original documents. Use photocopies of the original, as the Society cannot assume responsibility for documents that may be sent to it. The material will be retained by the PCHPS. In those cases where a photocopy is impractical (i.e. Title Book), detailed information on location will enable a Society researcher to verify the information.

Criteria for Evaluation

The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society criteria stipulate that properties to be designated shall possess significance in at least one of the following categories: history, architecture, archaeology, culture, integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, and value as an aspect of community sentiment or public pride.

Criteria for Historic Designation

To be eligible for designation, a subject property must be at least 50 years old and meet one or more of the following criteria listed below:

1. Character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the Park Cities, State of Texas, or the United States.
2. Location as the site of a significant historical event.
3. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the Park Cities.
4. Portrayal of the environment of a group of people in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style.
5. Embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen.
6. Identification with the work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of the Park Cities.
7. Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation.
8. Relationship to other distinctive buildings, sites, or areas which are eligible for preservation according to a plan based on historic, cultural, or architectural motif.
9. Unique location of singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood in the Park Cities.
10. Archaeological value in that it has produced or can be expected to produce data affecting theories of historic or prehistoric interest.
11. Value as an aspect of community sentiment or public pride.
12. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social or historical heritage of the Park Cities.

Critieria for Significant Architectural Designation

Certain distinguished Highland Park/University Park buildings or natural/physical features, of at least 50 years of age, are to be considered as landmarks because of architectural merit or relationship to the community. They may be designated by satisfying the following criteria:

1. The front elevation (and exposed side elevation if located on a corner) must remain true to the original intent and character of the building.
2. Embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen.
3. Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation.
4. Physical and architectural features of a scale established and familiar in the Park Cities.
5. Value as an aspect of community sentiment or public pride.

Any alteration from the property’s original condition will be scrutinized for its appropriateness and could affect the property’s eligibility for landmarking. The following guidelines will be used as a checklist in the evaluation process:

1. Style
2. Date of construction
3. Architect
4. Builder
5. Appropriateness of remodel
6. Condition: excellent, satisfactory, fair, or unsatisfactory
7. Main exterior material: brick, stone, stucco, brick, or wood siding
8. Roof: composition shingle, tile, metal, slate
9. Doors: original, new-appropriate or new-not appropriate
10. Windows: original, new, leaded, or stain glass
11. Dormers/eaves: dormers or eaves
12. Shutters: not applicable, yes-appropriate size, yes-not appropriate size
13. Chimney
14. Painted materials
15. Massing
16. Unique features
17. Taller addition
18. Alterations