Tag: Historic Preservation (4)

Kodet Architectural Group Historic Restoration Rendering

Balancing Contemporary Needs and Historic Preservation

Finding a balance between contemporary needs and the requirements of historic preservation can be a challenge.  There are established paths to success for those that work to maintain historic buildings in active use.  The following are a few upfront planning considerations when considering an historic rehabilitation. Proposed Uses Identifying a suitable use is essential.  This is relatively fairly straightforward if the use matches the original use. However, that is always not an option and suitable contemporary uses need to be explored.  A well selected new use will not compromise ‘historic character defining features’.    For example a use that would require modifications to an existing historic storefront would not be suitable.  On the other hand, a use might be viable if changes would be limited to modifications or additions to a non-historic interior or non-primary façade. Building Codes In-depth code analysis is essential to confirm whether the proposed use can be safely incorporated into the building.  The scope of work required to accommodate the proposed use within the code will vary greatly with the nature of the historic structure and the proposed use.  Consequently, it is important that this analysis occur early.  Code compliance is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition with historic structures.  Building codes in recent years have evolved to offer various pathways to compliance.  This greatly assists working with historic structures that don’t fit neatly within contemporary building conventions. Contemporary Systems & Technology Whether the proposed use matches the historic use or is entirely contemporary, it is almost always necessary to incorporate new systems and to do so with as little impact or loss of historic character as possible.  Successfully incorporating new systems requires understanding the opportunities and limitations of how a building is constructed as well as a willingness to look for creative solutions. Evolving technologies offers increasingly less […]

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd | Preserving Character

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD | PRESERVING CHARACTER The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis had begun to turn the page into a new chapter, which called for an adaptation to their sacred space to meet contemporary needs. Originally built over 65 years ago, the renovation aimed to uphold the historic integrity and respectfully adapting the Vic Gilbertson, FAIA mid-century modern church to meet current programmatic needs. The Kodet Team understood the importance of this historic restoration and through carefully studying sketches and the building’s artwork we were able to develop a better understanding for the back-story and connection to the details. Integral to the renovation was the idea of strengthening the bond between the church and the congregation, which reflects the celebration of their faith and community. The ever-present theme was preservation + improving functionality to serve current and future generations. ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTION The renovation and restoration looked how to make the best use of the buildings great art and architecture. A key element was to connect the existing sanctuary to the existing courtyard originally separated by brick wall with stained glass windows. By removing the south wall of the nave, we were able to expand the space by creating large custom wood sliding doors. These grand doors open the worship space to the new catwalk, which features a balcony overlooking the updated exterior courtyard. The worship expansion and inclusion of these custom doors incorporated the relocated original stained glass and allows a full view over the courtyard and introduces natural light into the sanctuary. Most importantly, we were able to creatively save and utilize the existing stained glass panels. By using materials original to the building and combining this with the glass, the changes transformed the church from an introverted interior focused space to a […]

Different Preservation Standards

What does it mean to “preserve” a historic building? A. Preserve all the battle scars of the building’s history as we see it today. B. Restore the glory days and make the building look as it once did C. Keep history alive by continuing to use the building in new ways D. Bring back the dead and rebuild history that would otherwise be forgotten And the answer is… E. All of the above. Options A through D above refer to different WAYS that a building can be preserved. Each treatment option corresponds to a written set of guidelines and standards, compliments of the Secretary of the Interior division of the National Park Service. Any of the options may be the right fit for your historic preservation project, but you can only choose one. Review the descriptions below and identify which treatment best aligns to your preservation intentions. A.   Preservation Option A sets the foundation of best practices for all of the options: Preserve as much material history as possible Retain the historic character Recognize the physical record of time, place, and use Save special materials, features, and craftsmanship Work gently, don’t use harsh chemicals or tough treatments Protect archeological resources This option was ideal for preserving the Samuel B. Strait House by repointing the original 1857 stone-walls to maintain and protect the building for another generation. B.   Restoration Restoration follows the same principals as Option A, except that all work is done to preserve a specific time in the building’s history. For example, if someone added a window after the chosen period of significance, then Option B would call for infilling the opening. This option was ideal for restoring the R.F. Jones (Longfellow) House interior after it was altered for use as a public library and then damaged by […]

The Cost of Historic Preservation

Historic building projects get a bad reputation for costing more to repair than constructing a new building. (Why else would you need government grants and public funding to make these projects happen?) While the bill to restore those historic wood windows may be higher than new vinyl windows, the cost of losing a piece of the building’s history is greater still. Financial assistance for historic projects recognizes that you can’t put a price tag on the intangible resources inherent in historic buildings. Think of a building’s history as a natural resource. Historic buildings record a story of the people who designed, built, used, and altered them over the years. The cracks and quirks define the building’s character and make it as unique as a human face. Historic buildings create a sense of place because they are the faces of our streets, neighborhoods, and cities. The story and character of a historic building can be leveraged for economic development, heritage tourism, and downtown revitalization. Preserving a historic downtown or a neighborhood residence keeps memories alive and enriches the places we choose to live or visit. When I visit a revitalized downtown I see an identity as strong as any branding campaign. People continue to add to this story by continuing to inhabit historic buildings. Many of the stores and restaurants I visit on a weekly basis are a repeat of another business in the next suburb over. Historic buildings are a relief from the sameness of franchises and corporations. Historic districts are a catalyst for economic development as they positively impact jobs, property values, heritage tourism and downtown revitalization. The upkeep and repairs may cost more than new construction, but a greater cost is paid when these buildings fall into disrepair or are demolished. History, once lost, cannot be rebuilt as […]