146-23.1. Buildings having historic, architectural or cultural significance.
In order to promote the use of buildings having historic, architectural or cultural significance, the Department of Administration shall inform the North Carolina Historical Commission of all geographical areas in the State within which the State is actively seeking to lease space for the accommodation of State agencies. Within 60 days of the receipt of such information, the North Carolina Historical Commission shall identify for the Department of Administration all buildings within such geographical areas that (i) are known to be of historic, architectural or cultural significance (including but not limited to buildings listed or eligible to be listed on the National Register established pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 470(a)), and (ii) which may be suitable, whether or not in need of repair, alteration or addition, for acquisition or lease to meet the public building and space needs of State agencies. In addition, the North Carolina Historical Commission shall furnish the Department of Administration such additional information on the physical condition, usable space, and the nature and approximate costs of necessary historic rehabilitation as the department may request in order for the department to determine whether the acquisition or lease of space in such buildings is feasible and prudent.
In acquiring lease space pursuant to G.S. 146-25.1, the Department of Administration shall give preference to lease proposals involving buildings identified by the North Carolina Historical Commission as having historic, architectural or cultural significance. Provided, however, that such preference shall be given only when the Department of Administration, after investigation as provided in this Article, determines that such proposal is feasible, prudent and in the best interest of the State, as compared with available alternatives, such determination to include the State's policy to preserve historic buildings.