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Any renovation presents challenges for a homeowner or business owner. But when the property is a historic property, is located in a historic district or is of some architectural significance, renovation challenges may seem overwhelming. Certainly, the person in charge of renovating historic or architecturally significant buildings must tread carefully.
On the one hand, an insensitive renovation can destroy the prestige and romance of the building’s link with the past. This link is absolutely priceless and can be a huge factor in the property’s value. On the other hand, a renovation that takes nothing but the building’s history or architecture into account may make the building feel more like a museum and less like a functional and comfortable building that is able to fulfill its purpose—whether that is a home to live in or a business to work in.
Anyone renovating a historic building should be aware of any local or federal restrictions on renovating a historic or architecturally significant building. For example, a building located in historic districts—typically in downtown urban areas—may be required to submit renovation plans for approval to a local historic district commission. Similarly, buildings with official status as historic sites also may be limited in the way they can be remodeled, at least on the exterior of the building.
If your building is of historic or architectural significance—or if you think it might be—here are some things you should think about before, during, and after a renovation.
Before the renovation:
1. Talk with local agencies that may have some say in your building’s renovation. Find out how and when these agencies must be involved and make sure you follow agency regulations to the letter.
2. Educate yourself. Spend time learning why the building is significant.
3. Find the right architect. Use an architect who specializes or has experience in historic properties. He or she will have experience meeting the challenges posed by old buildings that need to be brought up to code or meet ADA regulations while still following historic renovation guidelines.
During the renovation:
1. Expect the unexpected. No matter how good the planning, very old buildings sometimes hide problems that are discovered only when work begins.
2. Keep customers informed. If you are remodeling a business, post drawings and photos of the renovations in some convenient place so your customers can see how work is progressing.
After the renovation:
1. Learn about the upkeep. Ask contractors how to maintain the renovations that were done.
2. Celebrate with the community. A historic building in an urban setting is part of the community’s landscape. Consider sending a news release to local media outlets letting them know what you’ve done.
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