RESOURCES FOR OWNERS OF HISTORIC HOMEs

An understanding of basic preservation principles helps ensure that renovation projects are carried out in such a way that they enhance the features that define the character of a given site or place. To achieve this, a number of considerations must be made:

Alterations – In working with historic buildings, repair is always preferred over replacement. If historic fabric has deteriorated beyond repair, replacement features should closely resemble the original features. Unnecessary removal of historic elements or removal without replacement should be avoided.

Additions – Additions should minimize impact to historic fabric and should be compatible with the main structure in massing, size, scale and materials. An addition should not overwhelm the original structure and should be located on a secondary facade. Window placement and roof form should also reflect the design of the original building.

Relationships – When evaluating proposed site changes or changes to the exteriors of building consider the relationships that landscape elements, such as buildings, roads, walls, and trees have to one another. Strive to maintain these relationships. Avoid removing important features or adding new features that disrupt existing relationships.

Use – It is always best if historic buildings can be used as originally designed. If this is not possible, it is recommended that a new use be selected that does not require major alterations to the building.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties is a great resource that any historic property owner should consultant in the beginning stages of considering preserving, rehabbing, restoring or reconstructing. For an extensive list of technical resources on preservation, start here: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide

Technical Preservation Services are available from the National Park Services

Digital Building Technology Heritage Library Archive – FREE digital archive of period documents on construction, including architectural trade catalogs, home catalogs, etc.

Preservation Alliance • 215-546-1146 x6 • melissa@preservationalliance.com • preservationalliance.com (Free workshops for owners and aspiring owners of historic homes)

Reape, Jeffers & Associates • Rosemont, PA • 610-527-7540 • order@reapejeffers.com

John Milner • Chadds Ford, PA • johnmilnerarchitects.com (Restored the Square Tavern)

Alvin Holm A.I.A. • Philadelphia, PA • 215-963-0747 • http://www.alvinholm.com • info@alvinholm.com – Architect for restoration work, sympathetic additions to old homes and public structures, new residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

Phillip Rosenfeld, Director PA Art Conservatory • 636 Lancaster Ave. Berwyn, PA 19312 • 610-644-4300 • phillip@paconservatory.com

Hoster Bindery • Ivyland, PA • hosterbindery.com

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Ceramics (porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, pottery, terracotta) Restoration

JLJ China Restoration • Havertown, PA • 484-453-8288

Judith Harland • judithl@comcast.net

Lori Meisle • meisle@yahoo.com

Restoration Preservation Associates (doors, windows, flooring, custom milling) • Marple, PA • rpainc.co

Chair Caning and Rush

Harry A. Smith • 610-583-6962

Preservation Works Ltd. • Easton, PA • 484-373-0857 • info@preservationworks.us • preservationworks.us

Houck • 800-458-2122 • houcks.com

Douglas P. Humes, Esq. • Bryn Mawr, PA • 610-525-7150 • humeslaw@verizon.net

Wise Preservation Planning • Chester Springs, PA • wisepreservation.com

The Conservation Development Partnership • Philadelphia, PA • conservedevelop.com