11.1 Historic preservation principles and practices

Historic preservation is a vital aspect of American architecture, safeguarding cultural heritage and providing tangible links to the past. It offers educational insights into historical construction techniques and societal values while contributing to economic vitality through heritage tourism and adaptive reuse projects.

The field is guided by key principles like minimal intervention and authenticity, as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Organizations like the National Park Service and local preservation commissions play crucial roles in managing and protecting historic resources, supported by federal legislation and financial incentives.

Importance of Historic Preservation

Cultural and Educational Significance

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  Historic Baltimore By Bus Tour: Celebrating 50 Years of Saving Historic Places - Baltimore Heritage View original

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• Historic preservation safeguards cultural heritage and collective memory providing tangible links to the past and fostering a sense of place and identity
• Preserved architecture serves as a valuable educational resource offering insights into historical construction techniques, design aesthetics, and societal values of different eras
  • Example: Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia allows visitors to experience 18th-century American life
  • Example: The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois showcases the architect's innovative Prairie School design principles

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Historic buildings often contribute to economic vitality through heritage tourism, adaptive reuse projects, and increased property values in historic districts
  • Example: The revitalization of Charleston's historic downtown has boosted tourism and local businesses
• Preservation promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste, conserving embodied energy, and utilizing existing infrastructure
  • Example: Retrofitting historic buildings with energy-efficient systems (improved insulation, updated HVAC)
• Restored and maintained historic buildings enhance visual character and aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods contributing to community pride and social cohesion
  • Example: The preservation of New Orleans' French Quarter maintains the city's unique architectural identity

Principles for Historic Preservation

Secretary of the Interior's Standards

• Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties provides primary framework for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic buildings in the United States
• Minimal intervention principle emphasizes preserving as much original fabric as possible and making reversible changes when alterations are necessary
  • Example: Using removable storm windows instead of replacing historic windows
• Authenticity and integrity are crucial concepts focusing on maintaining original character-defining features and materials of a historic structure
  • Example: Preserving original wood siding instead of replacing it with vinyl siding

Compatibility and Documentation

• Compatibility principle guides integration of new elements or additions to historic buildings ensuring they are distinguishable from but harmonious with the original structure
  • Example: Adding a glass and steel addition to a historic brick building (Hearst Tower in New York City)
• Documentation and research are fundamental to preservation efforts requiring thorough investigation of a building's history, construction, and significance before any intervention
  • Example: Conducting archival research, photographic documentation, and measured drawings before restoration
• Regular maintenance and preventive conservation are essential principles in preserving historic structures preventing deterioration and reducing need for major interventions
  • Example: Implementing a cyclical maintenance plan for roof inspections and gutter cleaning

Organizations in Historic Preservation

Government Agencies

• National Park Service administers National Register of Historic Places and provides technical assistance and guidelines for preservation projects nationwide
  • Example: Publishing Preservation Briefs on various preservation topics
• State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) manage state-level preservation programs, conduct surveys, and review federal projects for potential impacts on historic resources
  • Example: California Office of Historic Preservation overseeing the state's historic resource inventory
• Local historic preservation commissions or boards regulate changes to designated landmarks and properties within historic districts at municipal level
  • Example: New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewing proposed alterations to protected buildings

Non-Profit and Professional Organizations

• Non-profit organizations like National Trust for Historic Preservation advocate for preservation policies, provide educational resources, and offer financial support for preservation projects
  • Example: National Trust's annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
• Professional organizations such as American Institute of Architects Historic Resources Committee and Association for Preservation Technology International contribute to development of preservation standards and best practices
  • Example: APT's annual conference sharing latest preservation technologies and research

Legal Framework for Historic Preservation

Federal Legislation and Incentives

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established federal framework for preservation including National Register of Historic Places and Section 106 review process
• Tax Reform Act of 1976 and subsequent legislation provide financial incentives for rehabilitation of historic buildings through federal tax credits
  • Example: 20% tax credit for certified rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider impact of their actions on historic resources as part of environmental assessments
  • Example: Evaluating effects of a new highway project on nearby historic districts

Local and International Policies

• Local historic preservation ordinances enable municipalities to designate landmarks and historic districts often regulating alterations through design review processes
  • Example: Boston's Landmark Commission overseeing changes to historic properties
• Preservation easements offer legal tool for protecting historic properties in perpetuity through voluntary agreements between property owners and qualified organizations
  • Example: Façade easement protecting a historic building's exterior from inappropriate alterations
• International charters and conventions such as Venice Charter and UNESCO World Heritage Convention influence U.S. preservation policies and practices within global context
  • Example: U.S. implementation of World Heritage Site management plans for places like Independence Hall in Philadelphia