Informational Resources From Bero Architecture

In addition to the “Thoughts…” series Bero Architecture has developed the following compilation of basic, preservation related, resources.

• Suggested References for Church Preservation and Maintenance
• Suggested References for Old House Owners
• New York State Historic Preservation Office’s Masonry Guidelines

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties, developed by the National Park Service, offer a best-practice approach to the four treatments covered (preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction).  In some cases (e.g., tax credit or state grant projects), adherence to the standards is mandated; even when not compulsory, they provide a useful framework for projects involving historic buildings.

The office of the Secretary of the Interior has also published Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.  This link to the National Park Service’s website for Technical Preservation Services has a link to the Guideline PDF.  If you have difficulty finding it, you can get the PDF here.

Preservation Briefs

Preservation Briefs, produced by the National Park Service, are a source of technical information on the appropriate care, restoration and maintenance of historic buildings, materials, and landscapes.  The briefs provide detailed guidance on topics such as painting historic buildings, roofing, window repair, and porch preservation.

State Historic Preservation Office / State and National Register Database

Each state and U.S. Territory has its own State Historic Preservation Office, charged with administering federal and state preservation policies and programs.  In New York, ours is a division of the state Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation, commonly referred to as SHPO (pronounced “shippo”).

SHPO’s website offers information about state preservation programs and processes, including tax credits and environmental review.

You’ll also find a database of National Register-listed properties with online access to scanned nominations.

The Local Landmarker

SHPO’s publishes this tri-annual newsletter to assist and inform the  Certified Local Government community around New York State.  Each issue generally deals with a single topic.  Current issues are downloadable as PDF’s from Certified Local Government Portal.

State Historic Preservation Office Masonry Guidelines

SHPO publishes guidlines for working with masonry and mortar. Mortar mixes, repointing, methods of cleaning masonry, and moisture are discussed.

Suggested References For Church Preservation and Maintenance

Many places to learn about preserving and maintaining church buildings

Tax Credits for Historic Preservation

The state and federal government encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings by allowing income tax credits for the rehabilitation of certain historic properties.  The following links explain the incentive system.

• National Park Service Tax Credit site
• New York State Historic Preservation Office tax credit site
• Incentives! A Guide to tax incentives for income producing properties
• “Interpreting the Standards Bulletins” : Illustrated examples of rehabilitation work deemed inappropriate; these are helpful in showing how the Standards are applied.

Grants for Preservation and Rehabilitation

Looking for funding for your project?  The following sources provide grants for preservation planning and/or rehabilitation projects.  Please also see our Thoughts on Preservation Funding.

1. Small grants for preservation planning: The National Trust’s Preservation Fund
2. Restoration of religious properties: Sacred Sites
3. For surveys and historic structures reports:  Preserve New York
4. For acquisition, planning and construction: The NYS Environmental Protection Fund
5. For preservation projects with an educational focus in the greater Rochester area: The Community Foundation .

Suggested References For Old House Owners

A list of information sources for old house owners on general work, architectural styles, masonry, paint colors, and insulation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and advocacy to save historic places and revitalize communities. Their  website includes a wealth of information on national preservation issues such as tear-downs  chain drugstores, and historic schools.  Some of our favorites issues discussed are:

Weatherization Guide For Older & Historic Buildings

Provides information about making historic buildings more energy efficient without jeopardizing character, and advice on ways to sensitively improve the performance of windows, mechanical systems, insulation, and roofing.

Lead Safety Guide

Describes ways we can preserve architectural features while making historic building lead safe.  without tearing out contributing features like wood windows,  fancy woodwork, or original siding.  It also addresses the EPA’s  renovation, repair, and painting rule for old buildings.

Saving Wood Windows

How can a shiny new vinyl replacement window not be better than an ugly and hard to open wood window?  People make their decision to replace old windows based on looks, the experience of their friends, and what their vinyl window sales person tells them.  The National Trust has published page to push more evidence-based information about the  sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance-techniques to keep old windows out of landfills and contributing to the architectural quality of their buildings.  There are also options to  tell Congress that you support energy efficiency incentives, and to tell your friends you believe wood windows are better than vinyl.  The Learn More page seems like a good place to start understanding the real differences between wood and vinyl windows.  When you’re done with that, check out these articles we have about similar topics:

• Some Thoughts on Replacing Historic Wood Windows
• Some Thougts on Re-Glazing and Adjustment of Wood Windows
• Some Thoughts on Home Energy Conservation
• Some Thoughts on Energy Conservation
• Some Thoughts on Maintenance of Historic Buildings