While HP is viewed by some as an obstructionist pastime that often seeks to keep “pretty old buildings”, I have always seen preservation as a dynamic part of community redevelopment. Here in the northeast we are blessed to have an abundance of physically attractive and structurally robust buildings that harken back to periods when our communities were economically strong. I believe that these resources (just like a natural or intellectual resource) can be the basis for impactful, fiscally prudent redevelopment in our towns and cities.
However, moving a project from a vision to reality requires that the owner and support team negotiate a complex, and sometimes contradictory, landscape of design requirements, permitting entities and financial realities. I am passionate and successful in navigating complex projects to a successful conclusion whether they are private or public sector.
Specific Preservation Skills and Knowledge Areas
- Researching historical/architectural significance of properties
- Writing summary of history/significance for marketing/financing materials
- Location and reproduction of historical images and cartographic resources
- Researching and writing nominations for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
- Expert testimony at regulatory bodies in relation to cultural resources/preservation components of community master and neighborhood plans
- Expert testimony at Zoning and Planning Boards utilizing historic status, condition and precedents to secure approvals
- Expert testimony at Historic District Commission and Design Review Boards to secure Certificates of Appropriateness/Design Waivers
- Formulation of applications for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits (Federal and State-specific)
- Consultation with engineering and architectural design teams on project designs involving changes to historic structures that are generally permittable under Federal, State and local preservation regulations
- Coordination with legal consultants on expert testimony related to historic properties
- Negotiation with Federal and State officials under Section 106 Review process (and parallel State review powers)