William Macintire, survey coordinator for the Heritage Council, was in Danville last week to look at the building.
"I was trying to determine whether the building would be eligible for the register, and I do think it is," Macintire said. "I was mainly looking at the architecture, and it is a good example of 1940s Colonial Revival building. It also fits the criteria of being more than 50 years old."
Macintire said it may take six to nine months to process a nomination and approve a site for the National Register of Historic Places.
John Wilson, ARB chairman, said he has yet to make up his mind about whether to approve the hospital's request.
"At this point, I think we are still considering all our options," Wilson said.
Hospital CEO Clark Taylor said at last month's ARB meeting that the building does not have substantial historical significance, in part due to a number of alterations since the structure was built.
Hospital representatives want to build a ground-level helipad once the building is demolished. That would require approval from state and federal aviation officials.
The Heritage Council also could be involved in approving those plans.
Because a federal aviation permit would be required, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires a Section 106 review to evaluate whether the project would have an adverse impact on historic property.
Macintire said the review process involves negotiation over what steps can be taken to preserve historic areas. If the project does affect historic structures, some preservation work could also be done in the community to offset the changes, he said.
SO YOU KNOW
The Architectural Review Board will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at McClure-Barbee House.
