11.1 Historic preservation principles and practices
4 min read•august 15, 2024
Historic is a vital aspect of American architecture, safeguarding 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 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 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
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, , , 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 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 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
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