What qualifies a place as historic in New York?

There are currently more than 120,000 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places across the state.

Recently, the New York State Board for Historic Preservation nominated 36 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places and one property to the State Register of Historic Places.

Daniel Mackay, the deputy commissioner for Historic Preservation, says we have more national registered listings in New York than any other state. According to Mackay, proposals come into their office through property owners.

Then a team of people prepare a proposal for the state review board. They meet quarterly.

Once they vote on nominations, those are sent to the National Park Service which will take about 45 days to review a proposal and give their stamp of approval, or not.

Recently, there’s been a push to not just designate sites of architectural significance, but social significance.

Mackay says New York is rich with history that cannot be lost.

“We're not just talking about a set of sites that date to the Revolutionary War period, or the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825," said Mackay. "That's New York's 20th-century history, which needs to be updated to be effectively documented and effectively recognized. So that just as much as it's textbook history."

Giving these properties designations makes them eligible for grants, which help keep the buildings open and educating for generations to come. Plus, it catches the eye of developers, which in turn can stimulate the local economy.

In Buffalo alone, there is more than $2 billion worth of private investment in buildings with historical designation.

To be considered, a property needs to be 50 years or older, but exceptions can be made.

For a full list of the most recent nominations, click here.