Berkeley Iceland National Register Eligibility - What it Means

 Last Friday, 30 July, the State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC) unanimously voted Berkeley Iceland eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  It cannot be listed on the National Register without the consent of the owners, who have not given it at this time.  This is another confirmation that Berkeley Iceland is a special, historic place - something that most folks who have experienced the ice rink know. 

We would like to thank the Berkeley Architecural Heritage Association (BAHA), which nominated Berkeley Iceland for the National Register, and John English, who prepared the application and worked so hard to make sure the nomination would get the best possible reception at the SHRC.  BAHA and John have well earned reputations for their advocacy in preserving the architectural history, which is rich in Berkeley.  We should all be proud of their efforts which confirmed Berkeley Iceland as a part of this fabric.

National Register eligibility is a significant designation for Berkeley Iceland, one that we hope will lead to restoring not just the building, but the community ice center which was a social hub for many beyond Berkeley.  The designation comes with both opportunities and responsibilities:

• First and foremost, the vote of the SHRC confirms the earlier designation of Berkeley Iceland as a local landmark by the Berkeley Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC).  Some were concerned that politics might have been involved in the LPC designation.  With an independent expert commission unanimously confirming the historic aspects of Berkeley Iceland, these concerns should be put to rest.  We hope that this decision will reduce the political aspects around plans for Berkeley Iceland.   
• Development plans are subject to review by the LPC, in addition to the standard planning process, to encourage the maintenance of the landmark aspects of the building.  Neither National Register listing nor the Berkeley Landmark designation guarantee the return of ice skating to the building, that will depend on those of us committed to that goal.  It does provide the opportunity for creative reuse which include the restoration of the community ice center, something SBI is committed to supporting.   
• National Register eligibility also provides tax advantages which can be used for funding restoration efforts:   
  • Donation of historic entitlements to a qualified government or nonprofit organization may be deducted as a charitable donation.  An owner can donate the easement, which is valued at the difference between market value without the designation and that after the designation, which may qualify as a charitable donation (actual tax consequences depend on the owners specific tax position).
  • Qualification for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program which provides a 20% investment tax credit.  This program can be linked to other tax incentive programs to attract private capital, which, combined with grants and donations, an lead to a restored Berkeley Iceland, similar to the process which saved the historic Oakland Fox Theater. 

SBI knows that this is only a step in achieving our goal of a renewed Berkeley Iceland open to the community.  We are committed to working others in the community who share this goal.  The designation of Berkeley Iceland as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places opens new opportunities to achieve an outcome from which everyone, especially the community, will benefit.