New Mexico Historic Preservation Division

Preservation Tax Credits

The Historic Preservation Division administers state and federal income tax credits to encourage preservation of historic homes and commercial buildings. More than 800 property owners have used this program in New Mexico, generating more than $29 million in private investment in the last two years alone. Properties listed or contributing to historic districts are eligible to qualify for this popular financial incentive. Owners of this 1907 late Victorian nominated their home to the State Register and restored it using state tax credits.

Historic Markers

Established in 1935, Official Scenic Historic Markers can be found on nearly every road and highway in New Mexico. They extol the geographic marvels of our state, and the virtuous, the venerated and the notorious people who have shaped our history. Most nominations come from citizens and are reviewed by HPD. The Cultural Properties Review Committee approves the final text and the New Mexico Department of Transportation builds and installs them.

Project Review

HPD is charged with ensuring that projects carried out entirely, or are partially funded, by federal and state agencies comply with historic preservation laws. HPD reviews thousands of projects each year to ensure they are planned to avoid or minimize harm to cultural resources. In the process, HPD assists project developers with following preservation laws and learns more about local history. State archaeologists unearthed this ca. 1906 cistern used as a cesspit by two homes with early indoor plumbing in Santa Fe in preparation of a new state office building.

SiteWatch

Hundreds of volunteers throughout New Mexico monitor local cultural sites and report erosion, vandalism and theft to government authorities. They are trained by HPD to become official site stewards. Site stewards also serve as docents, here leading a National Park Service tour in the Galisteo Basin.

Preservation Loans

Properties listed in the State or National Registers can qualify for low-interest loans administered by HPD and a lending partner. The division also facilitates loans to property owners in certified MainStreet districts through partnerships with New Mexico MainStreet and the Department of Finance. The Winternitz Building in Las Vegas re-opened as a gallery and studio space using our loan fund.

Heritage Preservation Month

May is Heritage Preservation Month. Events held statewide each year celebrate New Mexico heritage, HPD issues an annual poster distributed free of charge and outstanding preservation achievements are recognized with awards signed by the governor and presented by the Cultural Properties Review Committee at a ceremony and reception. George Tomsco and Stan Lark, of the Fireballs, closed one of our shows and brought down the house.

State and National Registers

The Register nomination of La Capilla de San Antonio de Los Lentes incorporated architectural influences brought to New Mexico on the Santa Fe Trail. Each state has an historic preservation office responsible for nominating buildings, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes and historic districts to the National Register of Historic Places. HPD administers this program in New Mexico, plus the State Register of Cultural Properties. Get involved and learn the benefits and advantages of having listed properties in your community.

The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division identifies and protects New Mexico's cultural resources, including its archaeological sites, architectural and engineering achievements, cultural landscapes and diverse heritage. We help communities identify, evaluate, preserve, and revitalize their historic, archaeological, and cultural resources.

Preservation happens locally. It is site specific—your building, your block, your town, your landscape. It is built on partnerships. Our redesigned website provides easy access to the information you need to help preserve New Mexico's diverse cultural heritage, encourage community revitalization through re-use of existing buildings and enhance heritage tourism opportunities.

New at HPD

Get your copy of the State Centennial Coloring Book in a printable format right here.

Upcoming Events

May.

18

May 18, 2012
Heritage Preservation Awards Ceremony
Scottish Rite Center, 463 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe
more info »

Jun.

8

June 8, 2012
Cultural Properties Review Committee, 1 p.m.
Room 311, State Capitol Building
more info »

Aug.

10

August 10, 2012
Cultural Properties Review Committee, 1 p.m.
Room 311, State Capitol Building
more info »

Oct.

12

October 12, 2012
Cultural Properties Review Committee
Room 311, State Capitol Building
more info »

Dec.

14

December 14, 2012
Cultural Properties Review Committee
Room 311, State Capitol Building
more info »