Naming Rights

[The Fonz]

I realize that if you own a property that is a designated National Historic Landmark, you can't make additions that interfere with the structural and historic integrity of the building. But can you sell naming rights to the building?

 

[Antigone*]

I realize that if you own a property that is a designated National Historic Landmark, you can't make additions that interfere with the structural and historic integrity of the building. But can you sell naming rights to the building?

What is the name of your State?

 

[The Fonz]

I'm in Illinois.

 

[HomeGuru]

I'm in Illinois.

**A: explain the selling naming rights part.

 

[The Fonz]

Ok...the organization I work for owns a national historic landmark building, a historic theater that's been around for a very long time. It's very costly maintaining and restoring the building.

In order to generate funds, we've considered selling the naming rights to the building, much in the same way stadiums throughout the country frequently do (i.e., the Staples Center, Minute Maid Park, 3Com Park, etc.).

Let's say we have a company who's expressed interest...Widget-Makers of America. Now, just like we see with stadiums, the building previously known as Historic Landmark X, will become The Widget Theater, or something to that effect.

Plenty of places do it all the time. But the area in which I'm looking for clarification, and wondering if it's a legal course of action to pursue, is whether or not the building's status as a National Historic Landmark prohibits us from selling naming rights to the building. Thanks.

 

[HomeGuru]

Ok...the organization I work for owns a national historic landmark building, a historic theater that's been around for a very long time. It's very costly maintaining and restoring the building.

In order to generate funds, we've considered selling the naming rights to the building, much in the same way stadiums throughout the country frequently do (i.e., the Staples Center, Minute Maid Park, 3Com Park, etc.).

Let's say we have a company who's expressed interest...Widget-Makers of America. Now, just like we see with stadiums, the building previously known as Historic Landmark X, will become The Widget Theater, or something to that effect.

Plenty of places do it all the time. But the area in which I'm looking for clarification, and wondering if it's a legal course of action to pursue, is whether or not the building's status as a National Historic Landmark prohibits us from selling naming rights to the building. Thanks.

**A: the answer is yes but ask the organization to be sure.