Historic District & Landmarks Review Commission

LANSINGBURGH HISTORIC DISTRICT | The City of Troy is nominating the Lansingburgh Historic District for State and National Register Listings. Learn more about the nomination

As guardian of Troy's Historic Districts, the Historic District and Landmarks Review Commission (HDLRC ) works with property owners planning rehabilitation and new construction that will impact the exterior appearance of their buildings to make sure the work conforms to Troy's local historic district standards.

The Historic District and Landmarks Review Commission relies on the Historic Review Committee, a three-member body of volunteers with knowledge of Troy's history, architecture, and historic preservation practices. The members are appointed by the mayor-one member is recommended by the Rensselaer County Historical Society; another member is recommended by the Hudson-Mohawk Industrial Gateway.

The committee reviews proposed plans on both commercial and residential properties from owners and contractors and make recommendations to the HDLRC based on the city's Historic District Regulations and guidelines (City of Troy Code Chapter 47). The Planning Commission is the official body making approvals but the recommendations of the committee weigh heavily.

The Troy City Council has designated as local historic districts a select group of neighborhoods whose architectural character reflects some particular aspect of our rich past. The 2015 Historic District Map (PDF) indicates the boundaries of our existing historic districts. Each of these relatively small geographic areas includes within its boundaries individual buildings and a streetscape that convey to residents and passers-by alike a local heritage. Each is a point of pride, not only for those who reside or work within it, but also for all the citizens of Troy. Each has been formally surveyed and evaluated using nationally recognized criteria, and each is protected by ordinances established in recognition of the importance of historic preservation. Each enhances Troy's reputation as a city committed to preserving its exceptionally rich heritage of historically significant and aesthetically distinguished architecture.

Troy’s Local Historic Landmarks

1. The Burden Iron Company Office Building
2. The Gasholder House
3. The Herman Melville House
4. The Poestenkill Gorge Historic Park
5. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s West Hall

Guidelines for Property Owners in Troy’s Historic Districts

View our "Guidelines for Property Owners in Troy's Historic Districts" page to get answers to the following questions:

• What is my role as property owner?
• Are there any types of work that do not require the commission's approval?
• What are some of the factors that the commission considers when it reviews my application?
• Can the commission make me restore my building to the way it originally looked?
• Will the commission make me repair my building?
• Will landmark designation prevent all alterations and new construction?
• How can I find architects or contractors who have experience with historic buildings?
• I own a designated building. Should I tell the tenants in my building about the building's landmark status?
• I want to sell my landmark building. Must I tell the commission?
• If I sell my building, should I tell the new owner that the building is a landmark?
• My designated building is not capable of earning a reasonable return. May I demolish it?
• What are the City's provisions regarding this?
• Are landmarks owned by not-for-profit organizations subject to the same regulations as other landmarks?
• Is being designated a Troy landmark different from being listed on the national register?
• How do I find out more about the effects of designation?