The City of Las Cruces is dedicated to preserving important places in the community and promoting the stories these places tell. The historic and cultural preservation program maintains a database of significant properties, promotes public awareness of our shared architectural heritage, and provides guidance to owners of historic properties and members of the public interested in preservation.
Las Cruces is home to more than 1,000 buildings recognized as historic at the state and national level. The vast majority of historic properties are located downtown or in one of the city’s three historic districts: Mesquite, Alameda-Depot, and Mesilla Park.
The Las Cruces Register of Cultural Properties is a database of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that have been determined to be historically or culturally significant at the local level by the City and the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC). Properties listed in the local register are subject to regulations established by city ordinance including HPC design review.
Explore an interactive map of historic properties, listed at the state and national level below.
Grant money and tax credits are available to property owners of historic properties listed at the state and federal levels. Economic incentives encourage the continued use and rehabilitation of historic properties. City staff with historic and cultural preservation are available to answer questions related to tax credits and grant resources
New Mexico State Income Tax Credit
For all properties listed at the state level individually or as a contributing resource in a listed historic district, the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division provides a 50% credit against state income tax owed after approved project completion – up to $25,000 per project.
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
For income-producing historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, a 20% federal income tax credit is available. Owner-occupied single-family residences are not eligible for this tax credit.
Resources
New Mexico Tax Credits Fact Sheet
NPS Tax Credit Incentives
New Mexico Historic Preservation Division’s Financial Incentive Programs
Contact:
Caitlin Beesley, City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Specialist II at cbeesley@clcstaging.lascruces.gov
The Historic Preservation Committee provides expertise on protecting and preserving the history and architectural heritage of Las Cruces, ensuring that culturally significant properties – whether local, state, or nationally recognized—are thoughtfully considered.
Key responsibilities include:
· Reviewing and making recommendations on proposed changes to historic properties through the Certificate of Appropriateness process.
· Advising city leaders on policies and best practices for preserving historic sites.
· Working closely with the historic preservation specialist to stay informed about ongoing research, preservation planning, and efforts to document and protect historic places.
· Maintaining and updating the city’s Watch List of Threatened Properties
· Promoting historic preservation education in the community.
The seven-member committee also provides guidance to the City Council and staff on additional preservation policies and procedures as needed.
Current members
Dr. Jerry Wallace, Chair
Ernie Campos, Vice-chair
Dr. Paul Deason
Dr. Jeffrey Shepherd
Upcoming meetings
Monthly Historic Preservation Committee Meeting August 20, 2025
Meeting Details
The Las Cruces Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6 p.m., on the third Wednesday of every month.
Benefits of Historic Preservation
The recent rehabilitation projects at the Rio Grande Theatre, Phillips Chapel, and Nestor Armijo house, are excellent examples of the community benefits of historic preservation, including:
- Enhanced civic pride and neighborhood identity
- The marketable commercial value of historic properties and district
- Recognition that the accomplishments and challenges faced by earlier residents may be relevant now and, in the future,
- Stabilized, and in some cases, increased, property values
- Unique and engaging sites or districts for visitors to appreciate and enjoy
Resources
- City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee
- Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation
- New Mexico Office of Cultural Affairs Historic Preservation Division (HPD)
- Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program
- Preservation Directory
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
