Click Here for Information on: Lost or Stolen Plaques Historic Alexandria Foundation Plaque Program The Historic Alexandria Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Alexandria's historic and architectural heritage. One of the methods used is to award plaques to those buildings that have retained their architectural integrity while also being at least one hundred years old. When the first plaques were issued as a pioneer effort in the 1960s, firm standards and criteria had not been established and they were awarded primarily on the basis of age, regardless of alterations. Starting in 1977, the determining basis became a listing in Historic Alexandria, Street by Street, written by Ethelyn Cox, and published by the Foundation. In the 1980s our standards were revised. In addition to being one hundred years old, houses must have architectural integrity to receive a plaque. The HAF plaques awarded under these revised standards also have a new look; they are bronze, as compared to the earlier aluminum plaques. Buildings throughout the city that are one hundred years old and that have architectural integrity may be eligible for a plaque. The plaques are now awarded only after an inspection by an independent consulting architect or architectural historian, using the criteria listed below. The plaques are a symbol of stewardship. Owners of these special houses are stewards of Alexandria's architectural heritage, with the privilege and obligations of being an important link between yesterday and tomorrow. The Foundation is always available to offer advice on the proper methods of conserving or restoring these historic buildings. Criteria for Awarding Plaques: The building must be at least one hundred years old, as documented by a combination of records (title search, tax records, wills, etc.). The principal facades of the building visible from the street or any public right of way must maintain integrity of form, materials, and architectural features consistent with the dominant period of the building. Here are some examples of the application of these standards: All windows must have true divided lights appropriate to the period of the structure. Shutters must be appropriate to the style of the structure and must be operable. Artificial materials, including artificial siding of any type, are prohibited. Buildings of the late 19th and early 20th century with pressed brick and terra cotta facades should not be painted, without conclusive evidence that they originally were painted. Prominent features, such as historic doors, front porches and stoops, and dormers significantly affect the appearance of a building. If such an element is missing and is known to have existed, or is present in a manner inappropriate to the period (or early evolution) and style of the structure, then the building may not qualify for a historic plaque unless appropriate restoration is undertaken. Lighting fixtures and house numerals should be in scale and appropriate to the period of the structure. Note: Where a single eligible building has been subdivided, the Foundation will consider granting separate plaques to individual units, provided such units have separate entrances and street numbers. Historic Alexandria Foundation Plaque Agreement The plaque recipient must sign an agreement accepting the following terms: The plaque must be placed on an exterior wall of the building, or wall of the property, so that it can be seen by the public, if possible. Any divergence from such placement must by approved by the Historic Alexandria Foundation. The Historic Alexandria Foundation retains ownership of the plaque. The owner agrees that he will notify the Board of Architectural Review to approve such changes. The Historic Alexandria Foundation reserves the right to remove a plaque if a property's architectural integrity is diminished by future alterations, even if approved by the Board of Architectural Review. Click Here for: Plaque Application (MS Word) Plaque Application (PDF) Replacement of Lost or Stolen Plaques Replacement plaques cannot be supplied if an existing plaque is removed, lost or stolen. In such an event, the property owner will be required to submit an original application (web printable form available above), pay those fees required for an original application and meet the same criteria as is required of any other new applicant.