Frequently Asked Questions

A preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that protects a significant
historic or cultural resource. An easement provides assurance to the owner of a historic or cultural property that the property’s intrinsic values will be preserved through subsequent ownership. In addition, the owner may obtain substantial tax benefits. 

Under the terms of an easement, a property owner grants the rights to their property’s facade to Historic Nashville Easements. Once recorded, an easement becomes part of the property’s chain of title and usually “runs with the land” in perpetuity, thus binding not only the owner who grants the easement but all future owners as well.

Easements are tailored to each property and typically protect the exterior facades and other character‑defining features visible from the public right‑of‑way, and sometimes specific interior or site elements where appropriate. The easement document clearly describes what is covered and what types of changes require review.

Yes. A preservation easement does not change ownership or basic property rights; it sets limits on demolition and certain alterations. Owners can usually continue to live in, lease, or adapt the property within the easement’s guidelines, subject to review and approval for changes that affect protected features.

Typical easements require review and approval for:

• Demolition or partial demolition of the structure.

• Exterior alterations visible from the public right‑of‑way (e.g., window changes, additions, new materials).

• New construction that could impact the setting or visibility of the historic resource.

The easement agreement will spell out specific triggers and the process for submitting proposed changes for review.

​Historic Nashville Easements, through its Easements Board and staff, reviews proposed work to ensure it complies with the easement’s terms and accepted preservation standards. In many cases, the review process is collaborative, working with owners and design professionals to find solutions that meet both preservation and project needs.

​Historic Nashville Easements, through its Easements Board and staff, reviews proposed work to ensure it complies with the easement’s terms and accepted preservation standards. In many cases, the review process is collaborative, working with owners and design professionals to find solutions that meet both preservation and project needs.Qualifying easement donations may be eligible for a one‑time federal income tax charitable deduction, generally equal to the appraised value of the rights conveyed. Owners should consult their own tax advisors to determine eligibility and how a deduction might apply in their circumstances.

To support monitoring and enforcement over time, Historic Nashville Easements may request a stewardship contribution or fee at the time of easement donation. These resources help fund site visits, documentation, and any necessary legal enforcement to protect the property in perpetuity.

Historic Nashville Easements operates as a nonprofit subsidiary of Preserve Nashville and continues the easement program originally created by Historic Nashville, Inc. This structure maintains a focused easement mission while aligning with broader advocacy, education, and preservation work across Davidson County.