Maintaining the Historical Legacy of a Building in the Renovation Process

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Maintaining the historical legacy of a building during the renovation process can be difficult. Most home and business owners aren’t sure where to begin, while others cannot see the benefit of keeping historical features in their renovation. Today, we’ll be discussing the factors which must be taken into account during the historical renovation process, the importance of undertaking such a task, as well as the resources available to projects such as these.

Why Maintianing Historical Accuracy is Important?

Since 1966, historic buildings have been afforded special protections by the National Historic Preservation Act. This act stipulates that, in the public interest, buildings with “vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and energy benefits will be maintained and enriched for the future generations of Americans.”

There are numerous benefits to maintaining the historicism of certain buildings. Buildings, like people, have character. Whether in connection to a particular era of style or in relation to an important event which occurred there, historical buildings provide a connection to the past. Certain elements of a city’s heritage can be emphasized and paid homage. Preserving the historical aspects of a home or commercial space can also cultivate a sense of community. In this way, historical buildings are beneficial to the cultural health of a community.

Economically, we know renovating an existing structure is more feasible than building a new one from scratch. Because the structure, skin, and interior are already in place–this practice is, on the whole, more cost-effective and sustainable. Older buildings–pre-World War II–were often built to last and made with high-quality materials. As well, older methods of craftsmanship are more durable and distinct.

Historical architecture distinct to certain locales can be a major draw for tourists and attract investment in the community. This brings fresh faces and new business opportunities to residents, thereby improving the overall quality of life for the community.

Architecture in Charleston

Charleston was the first city to be designated a historic district and the entirety of the Charleston Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. Bolts are a common architectural feature found in Charleston. These iron stabilizing rods were installed after a major earthquake in 1886. Some homeowners switch out the cast iron plate for a decorative one (e.g. monogram, symbol, insignia). Copper lanterns and hitching posts are also features you’re likely to see on a walk around historic Charleston.

Outside of Rainbow Row, common historical colors used in Charleston are Haint Blue and Charleston Green. Malevolent spirits are called haints in the Gullah/Geechee culture and are believed to be unable to cross the sea. In antiquity, painting your house haint blue–which resembles sea water–was meant to keep the spirits away. Charleston Green was derived from mixing the black paint (given by the Union to rebuild the South after the Civil War) with yellow, to achieve a deep-dark green.

Charleston is a veritable hodgepodge of period architectural styles, including: Colonial, Georgian, Regency, Federal, Adamesque, Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and more. Below, we’ll discuss a few of these architectural periods:

The Single House

- 18th/19th century
- Adapted from the English Row House
- Narrow and long; the front door faces the side.
- Tiered piazza.
- You’ll find this is the most common type of home in downtown Charleston.

Piazza

- These homes feature tiered, covered porches on their front face.
- Decorative columns, balusters, and railings.

Georgian

- 1714 – 1840
- Rough lime-stone trim, stone arches, granite pedestals flanking the front door
- Symmetric design
- Decorative molding and cornice embellishing
- Two-story porches

Federal

- 1780 – 1830
- Central floor plan
- Elliptical fanlights; grand palladian windows.
- Oval-shaped rooms.
- Examples include the Oval Office and the University of Virginia.

Greek Revival

- Inspired by classical Greek architecture.
- Modillion style cornice; Ionic columns.
- Classical ornamentation.
- Example: Hibernian Hall on Meeting Street.

Gothic Revival

- 1840 – 1880
- Inspired by medieval era architecture.
- Castle-like towers; parapets; lancet windows.
- Steeply-pitched roofs.
- Examples: Many of the churches found in the “Holy City” are gothic revival.

Italianate

- 1837 – 1900
- Inspired by classical Italian architecture. Villa-like.
- Masonry, stone, and stucco facades
- Slim, arched windows
- Decorative crowns and cornice
- Low-pitched hip roofs

Art Deco

- 1920s
- Influenced by the geometric forms of Cubism.
- A counter to Art Nouveau in Europe.
- Smooth stone facade; terracotta, steel, aluminum, glass materials.
- Example: The Riviera Theater

How to Prioritize Preserving Historic Aspects in Your Design?

Now, we’ll discuss how to prioritize preserving the historic aspects of a building in your design process. The design process is comprehensive and this is when you’ll decide what should be kept and what should be torn out and replaced. If maintaining historical legacy is important to you, you’ll take the following into consideration.

Restoration vs. Rehabilitation

There is a difference between a historical restoration and a historical rehabilitation. Before you begin your project, ensure you understand the difference and have chosen your preferred path forward. A restoration is when you restore the interior and exterior of a house (or commercial building) to the way it would’ve looked at a particular period. Restorations require extreme attention to detail and commitment to the emulation of a particular style. Alternatively, a rehabilitation is when you rehab the interior and exterior of a house (or commercial building) to be functional and useful for modern use, while preserving certain historical and architectural features. Rehabilitations, or renovations, allow for more flexibility on which materials you use, which finishes you choose, and which means of craftsmanship you prefer.

Identify Architectural Period

You’ll need to identify the time period of the original architecture. This step is important if you don’t want to muddy the waters. With rehabilitation, you want a distinction to exist between the original features of the building and the modern features you’ve added. As well, you don’t want to add features from a time period earlier or later than the original. This can taint the historical accuracy of the build.

Budgeting

Older, historic homes can be filled with rare materials which are not as easy to come by in modern times. Certain types of wood, marble, and brick can be difficult to match. Similarly, certain decorative facades, unique glasswork, and copper linings can require special expertise to recreate. If you’re engaged in a restoration project, these articles might be an added expense. Therefore, you’ll need to account for these potentialities and craftsmen who specialize in this restoration work.

Assess What Can Be Salvaged

The point of both a restoration and a rehabilitation is to preserve as much historical significance as possible. An in-depth assessment, up-front, can yield an idea of what may need to be updated and what definitely needs to be replaced. Assess the condition of materials, finishes, and systems. Then, ask yourself if these aspects will hold up to another forty or fifty years of wear-and-tear. If not, you might want to consider updating them.

Also, in the assessment, you’ll take into account the scale (apparent size), actual dimensions, and massing (proportion/balance). An older home can sometimes be built in ways we aren’t used to, as regulations for building were different at the time. Accurate measurements are essential to designing the space you dream of.

Bring Things Up to Code

Most locales have local historic district designations and specifications for qualifying. Perhaps you’re not interested in having your home or commercial project designated as a historic site, you’ll still need to have the site brought up to code. Since the 1800s–or even the 1900–building codes have changed. Check with your city or county to acquire a list of requirements. Work closely with your architect to ensure historicism isn’t lost in your efforts to meet international, federal, state, and local standards.

Resources

The National Park Services, U.S. Department of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are on their site. These include standards for rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, sustainability, and landscaping. This is a wonderful resource if you’re unsure where to begin your research or uncertain of the ramifications of a decision in the design process. You’ll want to seek grants, tax credits, and other financial resources available to you for your commitment to historic preservation.

Closing

Thank you for reading! Return to the Architecture Plus blog to learn more about architecture, design, and building smart! For more information or questions, reach out to our team! We’re always happy to hear from you and eager to help.

Maintaining the Historical Legacy of a Building in the Renovation Process