Historic Districts

Norfolk’s rich heritage is reflected in its architecture, easily seen in a quick drive around town:  the cobblestone streets of the Freemason area, the three-storied homes in Ghent and landmark structures such as Fort Norfolk, the Jamestown Exposition Site Buildings on the Norfolk Naval Base and First Calvary Baptist Church.

These neighborhoods and buildings help to define the city’s history as a seaport – and planning for their preservation is key to Norfolk’s sense of place. Collectively, they add character, make the city a pleasant place to live, enhance Norfolk’s tourism palate and add to property values. 

Norfolk is blessed in that a number of its neighborhoods and areas have met the criteria for and are designated as local, state and national historic districts.

Local historic districts are designated as such through an application prepared by the Planning Commission and a public hearing before City Council.

On national and state levels, The Department of Historic Resources administers two programs to recognize architectural resources and to encourage their continued preservation. One, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of structures, sites, objects and district that embody the historical and cultural foundations of the nation. The other, the Virginia Landmarks Register is the state’s official list of properties important to Virginia’s history.

To learn more about Norfolk’s local, state and national historic districts, notable buildings and houses and neighborhood histories, select from the categories at the top of this page.