The City of Biloxi, which saw nearly half of its landmark properties lost to Hurricane Katrina, is in the process of identifying more historically significant properties.
The Biloxi Architectural and Historical Review Commission is now accepting applications from owners of historic structures and sites for Biloxi Landmark designation.
The Biloxi Landmark program recognizes the city’s architectural history and promote preservation.
Of the 160 designated landmarks, 60 were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. According to Commission Chairperson Tanya Gollott Swoope, “In the wake of the devastation caused by the hurricane it is important that we as a community protect our sense of place. Our history is an important element of that sense of place, and our historic structures are an important visual reminder of that history.”
Applications for landmark status are approved by the Biloxi City Council based on the recommendation of AHRC. The applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
1. It exemplifies or reflects the broad cultural, political, economic, or social history of the nation, state, county, or city; or
2. It is identified with historic personages or with important events in national, state or local history; or
3. It embodies distinguished characteristics of an architectural type or is a specimen inherently valuable for the study of a period, style, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or
4. It is representative of the notable work of a master builder, designer or architect whose individual ability has been recognized or who influenced his age.
Applications to nominate a property as a Biloxi Landmark are available on the Biloxi website at https://biloxi.ms.us or at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building (Community Development Department) at 676 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
To print an application now, click here.
For more information on the program, contact Bill Raymond, Historical Administrator at 228-435-6280, or braymond@biloxi.ms.us.
The City of Biloxi is a state leader in the field of historic preservation, being one of the oldest certified local governments. Biloxi has six historical review districts and a local landmark designation program. The city also owns and operates seven National Register properties, including the Biloxi Lighthouse, City Hall and the Saenger Theater.
