Architectural Survey Program

Architectural surveys identify, document, and evaluate a community's physical historic resources. A survey is the basic step in creating a realistic preservation program, both at the state and local level. The survey is a practical planning tool. Knowing your historical assets is the first step in keeping them from disappearing. You can learn how to use them to your advantage and to your children's advantage. There is nothing wrong with progress and growth, but unchecked growth, or growth that does not consider the heritage of a community, is usually unnecessary. A survey will preserve for posterity a record of your area's material history. Surveys can provide the information needed to find out what resources or groups of resources are eligible for listing in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage or the National Register of Historic Places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an architectural survey entail?  
Survey work is generally broken down into two parts: Doing research on the history of the community and actually documenting the historic resources. Completing the architectural survey forms, taking photographs, and recording the location of the resources on a detailed map accomplishes these steps.

We target a wide variety of resources to survey, however most have to be 50 years or older. Frequently, there are misconceptions of what exactly is an architecturally or historically significant property. Some people find it hard to believe the old buildings in their hometown are significant, because, day after day, they walk by them and see nothing more than just an old building. It is just something we take for granted. Not only do we survey mansions, but we also focus on modest neighborhoods and houses, churches, schools, cemeteries, public buildings, commercial buildings, outbuildings, bridges, and recreational resources.  

Why is it important to hire a professional historic preservation consultant to perform the survey?  
By having an expert take part in your survey, you may discover those buildings you never thought of as important are in some way very significant. They will help you understand how your area developed. They also help in understanding some element of the past that gives a truer expression of how things really were.
A thorough examination of the countryside may result in finding resources that no one had thought about for years, but that are of importance.

Where can I find a professional to perform an architectural survey?
The Alabama Historical Commission does not maintain a list of historic preservation consultants who do work in Alabama. Please visit the following website to find a consultant: http://restorationandbuildingservices.com. 

How much does a survey cost?
The cost will depend upon how many historic resources your community has and upon the consultant. It is best to contact the consultant and ask how much he or she has charged to survey similar-sized communities.

List of the Architectural Survey Files

AHC’s Building Survey Form

Instructions for Completing the AHC Building Survey Form

If you did not find your questions addressed here, please contact Lee Anne Wofford, Survey Coordinator, at (334) 230-2659 or leeanne.wofford@preserveala.org.

To research the Alabama Historical Commission’s Survey & Registration files (Alabama Register, National Register, Cemetery Register & Architectural Survey), an appointment must be made at least 2 working days in advance. Appointment times are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. When requesting an appointment, please provide the county(ies) of interest, an emergency contact number where you can be reached the day of your appointment, and if you prefer the morning and/or afternoon appointment. The Alabama Historical Commission is closed on all official state holidays. Contact Lee Anne Wofford (334)230-2659 or Nicole Woods (334)230-2673 for further information and to make appointments.

AHC Research Policy (see attached document)

AHC Copy Policy (see attached document)