Historic Preservation

Preservation provides a tangible link to our history. Historic and cultural properties are non-renewable resources that showcase the significant history of Pierce County architectural styles or cultural groups.

The Pierce County Register of Historic Places (Register) is an important tool Pierce County uses to provide public recognition and measures of protection for historically-significant properties in Pierce County. Properties are designated to the Register through a nomination process which includes evaluation and determination of eligibility for listing by the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, and further review and adoption by the Pierce County Council.
Nomination Form for Pierce County Register of Historic Places
Upcoming Meetings

All Commission meetings will be held in-person at the Pierce County Annex and remotely via Zoom. Please see Upcoming Meeting Materials below to view the agenda for meeting information one week prior.

Agendas and Meeting Material
  1. Upcoming Meeting Materials
  2. 2022 Meeting Materials
  3. Archive Meeting Materials
  1. 06 21 22 LHPC Agenda
  2. 06 21 22 LHPC Audio (1 of 2)
  3. 06 21 22 LHPC Audio (2 of 2)
  4. 06 21 22 LHPC Presentation
  5. 06 21 22 LHPC Public Comments as of 06 17 22 - App #982635
  6. 06 21 22 LHPC Public Comments as of 06 21 22 - App # 982635
WA Trust Announces State Funding for Historic Barns and Cemeteries
In partnership with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), the Washington Trust has announced that funding is available for two statewide grant programs: Heritage Barn Grants and Historic Cemetery Grants.
Please visit their website for more information.
Local Preservation

McMillin Bridge (SR 162)

McMillin Bridge Sign
This unique bridge was built in 1934. The use of steel-reinforced concrete in the design makes the structure architecturally rare and significant. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bridge is in the Library of Congress' Historic American Engineering Record. Through an effort involving numerous individuals and the Landmarks Commission, the historic bridge was retained for future generations adjacent to the newly-constructed SR 162 bridge.
Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission's responsibility is to carry out the Pierce County Historic Preservation Program as a Certified Local Government (CLG) in historic preservation, and to provide recommendations on matters related to Pierce County heritage to the County Executive, and Council.

The Commission is guided by the policies and procedures of Pierce County Code (PCC) 2.88.

Meetings


The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Location


Pierce County Annex and remotely via Zoom

Members


If you are interested in joining the Commission, please complete an application and email it to Long Range Planning.
Commission Application
Current Membership
Member Representing Term Expiration
John "Jack" Taylor District 1 01/31/26
Vacant District 2  
Joel Green District 3 03/20/25
Vacant-Fill District 4 08/31/23
Vacant-Fill District 5 09/15/23
Vacant District 6  
Donald Tjossem, Vice Chair District 7 02/01/23
Barton Wolfe At Large 1 - Architect 02/28/25
Robert Koreis, Chair At Large 2 - Archivist 10/01/22
Vacant At Large 3 - Historian  
Vacant At Large 4 - Archaeologist  
Resources
Staff Contact
Vaughan Cary, Planner 2
(253) 798-7163
[email protected]
  1. What makes a property eligible for listing in the Pierce County Register of Historic Places?
  2. Why would an owner want to designate a property to a historic register?
  3. What is the process to nominate a property for designation to the Pierce County Register of Historic Places?
  4. What kind of tax incentives can a property owner expect?
View All