Historic Preservation chair briefs supervisors on costs and limits of nominating county jail for National Register

Kathy Vance, chair of Louisa County’s Historic Preservation Commission, addressed the board during public comment to explain the commission’s role and what it would take to nominate the county jail to the National Register of Historic Places.

Vance said the commission cannot—and does not—attempt to save every old building, noting the commission’s modest county budget ("$3,000" as stated in the record). She explained that an owner’s support and sign‑off are required to start the National Register nomination process and that the county, as the owner of the jail, would need to participate in and approve the initial reports.

Vance estimated the nomination process typically requires hiring a consultant and could cost about $40,000 to prepare a nomination, of which grants often cover 50–75 percent and the local government or fundraising covers the remainder. She warned that even listing a property on the National Register does not prevent its demolition: "Anybody can tear down any building that's on the National Register," she said, and stressed that documentation of a building’s features is a lower‑cost option if the board decides not to pursue a formal nomination.

Vance said the preservation commission is willing to assist if supervisors request the process formally, and she urged supervisors to weigh costs, structural integrity and community need before deciding to move forward.