Our mission:
Sustaining Raleigh’s architectural inheritance for everyone’s benefit.
Raleigh is a growing city. As our skyline climbs and our neighborhoods evolve, Preservation Raleigh is here to make sure our city’s history stays a part of its future. Founded in 2023 but built upon a legacy that spans over sixty years, we are a grassroots nonprofit committed to sustaining Raleigh’s architectural inheritance for everyone’s benefit.
Our work is rooted in three key pillars:
- Advocacy: We serve as an advocate for Raleigh’s historic assets. Through our Advocacy Committee, we maintain a constant presence at City Council and RHDC meetings, speaking up for compatible rezonings and protecting properties at risk.
- Strategic Action: Each year during Preservation Month, we launch our Places in Peril (PIP) program. This community-nominated list helps identify endangered sites where our intervention is most needed.
- Community Education: We believe that people protect what they love. Through events like The Toilet Tour, our Hidden Gems series, and our stewardship of the Raleigh City Cemeteries Preservation (RCCP) archives, we bring Raleigh’s history to life in ways that are engaging, accessible, and inclusive.
The Evolution of Preservation Raleigh
Our 60 Year Legacy
Preservation Raleigh didn’t appear overnight. Our roots stretch back to 1961 when a group of concerned citizens watched the rise of “urban renewal” and decided to speak up. What began as a small city advisory committee eventually became the Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC). For over six decades, this body has worked within the halls of city government to designate landmarks and protect our historic districts.
The Need for an Independent Voice
As Raleigh grew at a record-breaking pace, the city-appointed commission faced a new reality. While the RHDC remained vital for design review and government oversight, it was limited by its very nature as a unit of city government. It could advise, but it could not always be the loud, grassroots advocate that the city needed.
Recognizing this gap, the RHDC commissioners added a visionary goal to Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan—the creation of an independent, city-wide advocacy organization.
Preservation Raleigh Reimagined
In 2023, that vision became a reality. The nonprofit arm of the commission was “spun off” to become Preservation Raleigh. By separating from city government, we gained the freedom to be bold. We are now an independent nonprofit led by former commission chairs, preservation professionals, and community advocates who have the experience to navigate city hall and the independence to challenge it when necessary.
Our Vision for the Future
Our mission—securing Raleigh’s architectural inheritance for everyone’s benefit—is more than a statement. It is a commitment to engage with citizens, support property owners, and ensure that our city’s physical history remains a vibrant part of our future.
As our community evolves, we evolve with it. Come join us in our work to protect the places that make this city feel like home.
We welcome you to volunteer with us, or to become a supporter. Email info@preservationraleigh.org if you have questions!
Preservation Raleigh bylaws:
In the Media:
April 27, 2024, News & Observer: A new preservation group wants to know which Raleigh buildings you want to save