Introduction 

The City of Walla Walla received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to prepare a historic preservation plan to guide historic preservation efforts in the city for the next 10 years. The City hired the historic preservation consulting firm, Northwest Vernacular, in December 2021 to prepare this plan. 

Historic preservation is about ensuring the heritage and historic places that enrich our lives remain for future generations. Preserving historic places (buildings, structures, objects, sites) highlights what’s already valued in Walla Walla by both residents and visitors. 

A historic preservation plan is the result of a process through which a community establishes its vision, goals, and priorities for the preservation of its historic resources. A historic preservation plan is a city planning document that will guide the city’s historic preservation program and provide a roadmap to achieving its goals. 

Timeline

February 2022: Public meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission. Community survey conducted and received almost 500 responses.  

April 29, 2022: Draft plan submitted to the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP)

May 26, 2022: Public meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission

July 15, 2022: Revised draft plan submitted to DAHP

August 25, 2022: Public meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission

September 1, 2022: Final plan submitted to DAHP

March 2023: City Council work session and adoption