The announcement was made this morning at New York City's Federal Hall National Memorial at a press conference hosted by the National Architectural Trust in partnership with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service.

The event featured Carol Ash, incoming commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the agency of which the SHPO is a part, and two distinguished members of Congress: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who represents the Wall Street Historic District, and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), the new chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.

"The Wall Street Historic District contains a significant concentration of properties associated with the history of banking and commerce in America," said Carol Ash, acting commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "In cooperation with the National Architectural Trust, the State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to have assisted with listing the district on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The designation recognizes the area's importance and will further its rejuvenation and redevelopment."

In January 2007, the New York SHPO recommended the Wall Street Historic District to the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, following public input and a public hearing on the proposed nomination. The nomination was based on the District's fulfillment of two National Register criteria: 1) its association with significant historic events and 2) its embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a time period, type of building or method of construction and its representation of the work of master architects.

"It's an honor to be here, on such a historically significant day for this city, when the Wall Street District is recognized for its tremendous role in shaping our nation's identity," said Rep. Rangel. "Through the ups and downs, one constant will always remain true about Wall Street -- it helps keep America and the world moving forward."

The impact on properties in the Wall Street Historic District will now be considered during planning for federal, federally-licensed or federally- assisted projects because of the listing. In addition, property owners in the District may be eligible for federal tax benefits, and properties in the District may qualify for federal historic preservation grants when funds are available.

The site of the morning event -- Federal Hall National Memorial -- was ideal because the building showcases the quality of the District's architectural treasures. Built from 1833 to 1842, the former Customs House exemplifies high-style Greek Revival architecture and serves as a prime example of the rich diversity of architectural styles in the Wall Street Historic District. In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated on the site of Federal Hall National Memorial.

"I am proud to represent Wall Street today," said Rep. Nadler. "It has a rich heritage as a center of commerce, economy, community planning, politics and government. And its architecture is world-renowned. Today is a day to celebrate all that Wall Street represents to our nation."

Although the Wall Street Historic District is the site of New York City's earliest settlement, New Amsterdam, almost nothing other than the street pattern survives from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries because of the Great Fire of 1835. Yet, the District is rich in architectural treasures from that moment forward. It includes significant buildings from as late as 1967, and a world-class collection of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century styles such as French Second Empire, Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts. More commonly recognized, the District contains a world class collection of early skyscrapers representing revival styles as well as early modern styles such as Art Deco, Moderne and the International Style.

"It's possible that no single area tells the story of America's progression from a primarily rural nation to a diverse industrial society as well as the Wall Street Historic District," said Steven McClain, emcee of the press conference and president of the National Architectural Trust. "The buildings of the District tell us who we are as an industrialized nation. As an organization committed to the preservation of American architecture, we commend the National Park Service for listing the Wall Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, and we are proud to help celebrate this momentous occasion." By - National Architectural Trust