Projects With Historical Significance

Managing a Preservation Project

• How would you preserve and maintain the historic structure in the twenty-first century?

In the late twentieth century there were major initiatives that set the stage for maintaining the historic structure in the twenty-first century. One of the most notable initiatives was the passage of the National Preservation Act of 1966 which ushered in a "New Preservation" philosophy (Glass, 2014). The paradigm shift in historical preservation consisted of a shift from individual sits of historic importance, to a more comprehensive strategy that includes preserving historical districts and architectural significance. The best way to get started is to contact the local State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and see what resources are available for the local community. It is important to preserve a sense of history in the U.S., which has been called a "disposable culture" that doesn't always appreciate the historical significance of the country's heritage (Oppenheim Associates, 2013).

• What types of job positions might be needed for the preservation project and what tasks would each of those positions need to perform?

One of the most fundamental positions will be that of the project manager who will lead the preservation project. The project manager may or may not be the property owner but plays a vital role in ensuring compliance, planning, and monitoring the project through completion. Many of parties must also play a part including the local preservation officials and the local building codes office. The contractors who actually complete many of the renovations can also be a vital component of the project as many of the activities will require a specialist's knowledge. Finally, the local community can also play a role in support of the project.

• What agencies and laws might you need to consult for the project?

The preservation act created a unique partnership between the federal government and the states. All fifty states have preservation services available and coordinate with the federal government as well as institutions such as the National Register of Historical Places. Such organizations can offer incentives for maintaining historical sites such as tax credits among other things. Each state can have different laws regarding preservation that include different ordinances, easement programs, and financial assistance. Therefore, not only will a project have to consult the state's rules and regulations, but they will also have to coordinate with the local building codes and local organizations.

• How might the finish project differ from the original structure but maintain its historic integrity?