The Urban Conservation records document the development and operation of the City's historic preservation program. These records relate to the creation and regulation of historic districts including the Ballard Avenue Landmark District, Fort Lawton, International District, and Pioneer Square. Policy and legislation regarding historic preservation is also included. Specific buildings or building types that are documented include Anhalt apartments, Fire Station 3, historic downtown theaters, Home of the Good Shepherd, the Martha Washington School site, and Smith Tower, among others.

The historic preservation and landmark designation process is illustrated in these records, as is the creation of the Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority, a public corporation established to develop historic properties.