Virginia Beach, Va. (WTKR) - The Cavalier Hotel at the Oceanfront has been added to the Virginia Landmarks Register.
"It really is what put Virginia Beach on the map in 1927," explained Bernice Pope, Chair of the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.
Mac Rawls, who chairs the Cavalier Hotel Taskforce, says the addition is a major victory.
"It recognizes the historical identity of the building. It’s kind of like having a pedigree. You can say you are historical but this actually proves it," Rawls told NewsChannel 3's Todd Corillo.
Last year, the Cavalier Hotel was put up for sale and many in Virginia Beach feared the Oceanfront icon would be torn down.
"Of 100 people who had indicated an interest, nearly no one in that 100 had indicated an interest in doing anything other than demolishing the building," Rawls recalls.
Beach developer Bruce Thompson purchased the Cavalier and is planning extensive renovations.
City signs off on Cavalier Hotel deal in Virginia Beach
With the state designation, the Cavalier now qualifies for historic rehabilitation tax credits of 25%.
"Everything they do in the way of restoration has to be approved and not only that but once it’s completed, it has to stay in place for a certain number of years," Rawls explained.
The Cavalier's listing in the Virginia Landmarks Register now moves on for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Related:
Beach pledges $18 million for preservation of Cavalier Hotel
Sale of Cavalier Hotel approved by judge
Live chat answers questions about future of the Old Cavalier Hotel
Group using Facebook to advocate for saving the Cavalier Hotel
Developer presents plans for Cavalier property to Beach city council
