Anacortes Register of Historic Places

What is the Anacortes Register?
The historical register is an official list of buildings, structures, objects, or sites that were instrumental in the history of Anacortes and are worthy of recognition and preservation.
What qualifies a property for the Register?
The historical register recognizes properties that are more than 50 years old. Some properties may be considered if they are less than 50 years old if they possess exceptional importance and meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • An Historical Event
    The property is associated with an event that made a significant contribution to U.S., Washington state or Anacortes history.
  • Architectural Importance
    The property is an example of architecture of an earlier period in which the style, type, or method of construction was unique.
  • Historically Important Person
    The property is associated with the life of a person significant to Anacortes, Washington state, or U.S. history.
  • Archaeologically Important
    The site likely contains important archaeological information.
  • Historically Important Site
    The property is a documented site or event or place, such as a cemetery, which contains people or features of historical significance
  • A Renovated Historical Building
    The property is an historically accurate restoration of a building on it's original site.
  • A Unique Design
    The building is a unique example of folk architecture or a design created by persons not formally trained in architecture.
How is a property designated to the Anacortes Historic Register?
  1. Applicant submits an application form to the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board in care of the Anacortes Museum.
  2. Board members do an on-site review of the property.
  3. Staff reviews the application.
  4. The Board sets a public hearing date and notifies the applicant, owner, and contiguous property owners of the public hearing.
  5. The Anacortes Historic Preservation Board conducts a public hearing and makes determination of the property’s eligibility.
  6. If eligible, the owners indicate their permission for placement on the Register by signing the final application. The Board then forwards the application to the Anacortes City Council.
  7. The City Council officially designates the property to the Anacortes Register of Historic Places.

Placement on the register officially recognizes the historical importance of the property. Listing on the register DOES NOT affect future uses of the property. The owner may choose other uses for the property and may remove the property from the register at any time. However, historic registration may allow the owner a possible property tax advantage (Special Valuation) as provided by current state laws.