Council backs nomination of George Washington Memorial Park to Jackson Historic Register

The town council voted Jan. 5 to notify the Teton County Historic Preservation Board that it supports the nomination of George Washington Memorial Park (the town square) to the Jackson Historic Register.

Planning Director Anthony explained that although the park already appears on the National Register (added in 2023), local register designation is voluntary, primarily honorary and provides access to development incentives such as flexibility from nonconforming standards and transfer of development rights. He said the park is owned by the town and that acceptance of federal tax credits or funding would be optional; designation does not impose mandatory restrictions until funding or specific approvals are accepted.

Michael Stern, president of the Teton County Historic Preservation Board, spoke in support of the nomination and called the town square one of the most significant historic places in Jackson. The council then moved, seconded and approved its support by unanimous voice vote.

Staff noted that if future development were proposed for the park, any work requiring a building permit would need to follow the town's historic preservation design guidelines. The council recorded its support as landowner consent to the nomination; the action does not itself enact restrictions or require the town to accept specific funding.