The Historic Reno Preservation Society operates as a resource for those interested in the architectural history and heritage of Reno. While the City of Reno manages its own historic preservation ordinance and Historical Resources Commission, the Historic Reno Preservation Society provides independent community engagement and educational opportunities regarding local history.
City of Reno Preservation Program
The City of Reno has maintained a historic preservation program since 1993. This program focuses on identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources, including buildings, sites, landscapes, and objects that are typically at least 50 years old.
The city administers these efforts through the Historical Resources Commission, a group of 5-7 commissioners appointed by the City Council. The commission's responsibilities, as outlined in Reno Municipal Code Chapter 18, include protecting the city's historic integrity, promoting cultural well-being, and educating citizens on the benefits of preservation to prevent urban blight.
Residents and visitors can access several resources through the city's official portal:
- Reno Historical App: A tool for exploring local history.
- Historic Property Map: An interactive map showing properties evaluated for historic significance and previous survey project boundaries.
- Register of Historic Places: Information on nominating resources to local, state, or national registers.
For specific inquiries regarding city-designated historic buildings or code requirements, the City of Reno Historic Preservation office can be reached at 775-334-2253.
Regional Preservation Context
Travelers moving between Reno and the mountain communities often encounter distinct preservation standards. In Truckee, for instance, the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) manages a comprehensive program focused on the downtown area.
Truckee’s program categorizes buildings based on historical significance:
- Category A (Essential): Individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
- Category B (Contributory): Significant to the historic character of downtown.
- Category C (Supporting): Enhance historic character but do not meet strict National Register criteria.
- Category D (Non-Essential): Buildings older than 50 years that have lost historical integrity due to poor condition or alterations.
Truckee’s HPAC meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 8 am in the Council Chambers. Those planning a trip to Truckee to visit the Railyard District or other historic sites should check I-80 road conditions before traveling, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Exploring Historic Sites
Whether visiting Reno's older neighborhoods or traveling to Truckee's historic downtown, checking road conditions is a standard part of trip planning in this region. If your route involves crossing the Sierra, monitor the SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions or US-50 road conditions for potential chain controls.
For those interested in the history of the region, the Reno Historical App serves as a primary digital resource provided by the city. It allows users to locate and learn about significant sites directly from their mobile devices while navigating the city.
Cameras on routes connecting Reno to historic mountain districts.
When visiting historic districts, be aware that many areas have strict parking and pedestrian guidelines. In Truckee, the downtown area is designed to be pedestrian-oriented. If you are accessing these areas from Reno, ensure you have checked the Reno city cameras road conditions if there is active winter weather, as local streets may have different clearing priorities than major highways.