Preservation is more a question of significance. Functionality is secondary, unless the functionality of the building has been changed in its history. In this case, it did. The building was built as an auditorium, but in its latter years, it functioned as a warehouse and a pecan company. However, the integrity and character of the building never changed.
To be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an extensive nomination form must be filled out and I was going to run down some of the procedures, but that is explained in a 60 page PDF file. So to be brief, I will list a couple of paragraphs for the basics. These are the first things to consider:
Age and Integrity: Is the property old enough to be considered historic (generally at least 50 years old) and does it still look much the way it did in the past?
Significance: Is the property associated with events, activities, or developments that were important in the past? With the lives of people who were important in the past? With significant architectural history, landscape history, or engineering achievements? Does it have the potential to yield information through archeological investigation about our past?
To be listed as a City of Fort Worth Landmark, below are the criteria. Before the designation was removed, the Ellis Pecan Building was designated Demolition Delay.
The subject property must meet at least 1 of the following criteria for DD designation, 2 of the criteria for HC designation, and 3 for HSE designation:
a. Significance
1. Is distinctive in character, interest or value and exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the City of Fort Worth, State of Texas or the United States
2. Is an important example of a particular architectural type or specimen or embodies elements of architectural design, detail, material, or craftsmanship that represent a significant architectural innovation in Fort Worth.
3. Has been identified as the work of an important architect or master builder whose individual work has contributed to the development of the City of Fort Worth.
4. Has been identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the City of Fort Worth, State of Texas, or the United States.
5. Bears a significant relationship to other distinctive buildings, structures, sites, objects, or areas, either as an important collection of properties of architectural style or craftsmanship with few intrusions, or by contributing to the overall character of the area according to a plan based on architectural, historic, or cultural motif.
6. Possesses significant archeological value, which has produced or is likely to produce data affecting theories of historic or prehistoric interest
7. Is the site of a significant historic event
8. Is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark or State Antiquities Landmark, or is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
b. Integrity
1. A property’s ability to convey its significance, taking into consideration the following seven factors: location,design, setting, material, workmanship, feeling, and association, as set forth in National Register of Historic Places’ Seven Aspects of Integrity.