How we prepare for economic recovery now can have lasting effects on the future character of our communities. With slowed growth, now is the perfect time to rework and expand revitalization and sustainability programs.
Creating solid and useful documentation as a part of preservation “tool-kit” will aid in making sound decisions regarding historic resources. Putting these tools in place now can actually stimulate economic recovery.
Planning for older and historic resources can benefit communities in the future by:
• Leveraging preservation incentives to create projects.
• Attracting development projects that enhance the community.
• Promoting sustainable development through building reuse.
• Creating local pride through reinforced community character.
• Identifying a resource’s needs to aid acquisition of grant funding to implement projects.
Having a sound set of preservation tools in place will streamline environmental reviews and expedite projects.
Case Study:
• A Main Street community’s strategic downtown plan identified rehabilitation of a historic theater as key to revitalization.
• Re-establishing the theater’s original use was identified as a way to attract people to the downtown area and benefit local businesses.
• Grant money funded initial study.
• A core Historic Structures Report (cHSR) was commissioned as a first step in planning for repairs and building upgrades.
• cHSR was used to apply for implementation grants to move project forward.
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc’s integrated staff of architects and historians brings the unique perspective of each stakeholder’s point of view to all of our projects. Contact us to find out how this perspective can benefit your project.