Las Cruces staff preview local Register of Cultural Properties and inaugural nominees

Caitlin Beasley, Historic Preservation Specialist in the City of Las Cruces Community Development Department, told the council that the City Register of Cultural Properties was established under local ordinance (development code chapter 35, section 2.D) and is part of the city’s certified local government (CLG) responsibilities.

Beasley explained that the local register complements the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Cultural Properties. She said nominations must include owner consent at the local level (unlike neighboring Mesilla) and that nominations will be reviewed by a Historic Preservation Committee subcommittee before a council resolution is required. "Owner consent is required at the city level," Beasley said.

Beasley listed the inaugural nominees that will come before the Historic Preservation Committee on May 20 and then to council next month: the Rio Grande Theater, Phillips Chapel, the Railroad Depot, the Claribel Williams property and the Branigan Cultural Center. She said nominations and supporting materials are available online through the city’s agenda center and that a public meeting will be scheduled as part of the review process.

Councilors thanked Beasley for the presentation and asked about the 50‑year guideline for eligibility; Beasley said 50 years is the standard rule of thumb but that younger properties may qualify under certain criteria. No formal action was taken at the work session; the council will consider nominations after the Historic Preservation Committee recommendation.