Historic Architecture

Historic architecture are buildings and structures older than 50 years and listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). MoDOT is responsible for identifying historic architecture associated with transportation projects in Missouri’s urban, suburban and rural areas. A brochure summarizing MoDOT's historic architectural research processes is available HERE.

Missouri’s Historic Architecture

Historic architecture is more than just fancy homes, it includes:

  • Farms and barns,
  • Commercial buildings and businesses,         
  • Neighborhoods and planned communities,
  • Landscapes and parks,
  • Roads and roadside features
  • Outbuildings and sheds

Architectural styles in Missouri vary greatly and include early examples of French Colonial styles, Victorian, Modern and Contemporary and everything in between. Much of the architecture can be described as "vernacular," meaning taking elements from various  formal styles.

Evaluating Missouri's Historic Architecture

Architecture is evaluated through consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) using the criteria laid out in the NRHP:

  • Criterion A — Association with Events
  • Criterion B — Association with People
  • Criterion C — Architecture, Engineering, Design and Construction
  • Criterion D — Information Potential

Architectural resources can be NRHP eligible under more than one criterion.

An architectural survey is conducted for a MoDOT job if new right of way or easements are involved. The survey includes photographs and notes on the project area which include details about the buildings, structures or objects, and condition, and modifications or updates to a property. 

Effects on Historic Architecture

A project can have an adverse effect or a no adverse effect on historic architecture.

  • An example of a no adverse effect may be replacing modern sidewalks within existing MoDOT right-of-way, but adjacent to an historic property or district.
  • An example of an adverse effect would be removing an historic building to realign a road.

Mitigation of Adverse Effects

If a project will have an adverse effect on historic architecture a [Section 4(f)] evaluation will be required before the property can be acquired.

  • Mitigation typically consists of archival photographs, written descriptions, maps and project plans, brief background history of property and surrounding area.
  • It may also include measurements and drawing of resource inside and out.

Reports are kept on file at MoDOT and/or sent to SHPO in a Section 106 submittal.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation and is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation

"Missouri Preservation advocates for, educates about, and assists in the preservation of architectural and historic landmarks that embody Missouri’s unique heritage and sense of place."