The Preparation And Use Of Historic Structure Reports

Explains the purpose of historic structure reports, describes their value to the preservation of significant historic properties, outlines how reports are commissioned and prepared, and recommends an organizational format for such reports.

A one-of-a-kind, step-by-step guide to compiling an HSR—a document crucial to every professional working on a historic property. Any architect, engineer, or preservation professional renovating a historic property must be familiar with the historic structure report (HSR)—a document that evaluates all aspects of a property to minimize damage during restoration. The only book of its kind, this practical guide walks readers through the process of compiling an HSR. From gathering historical and archival data about the property to analyzing its structural, mechanical, and electrical components to assessing the state of its interior finish, including wood, masonry, and metals, this book covers all the nuts and bolts of an expertly written, informative HSR. Explaining what information should be included in each section and how investigators can work together effectively as a team to produce a comprehensive, coherent report, this handbook is one no professional should be without.

The National Park Service, a branch of the Department of the Interior, knows preservation. In its hundred-year existence, the service has dealt with just about every problem an old structure can have. Whether it is removing graffiti in Manhattan or rebuilding a barn in Oregon, the National Park Service knows what to do. Here are the official U.S. guidelines, a lively and instructive collection of tried and tested knowledge and reliable techniques, written by the top experts in the field. Over forty fully illustrated chapters addressing topics such as: — cleaning and waterproof coating of historic masonry — roofing for historic buildings — the preservation of historic glazed architectural terra-cotta — exterior paint problems on historic woodwork — the preservation of historic barns — heating, ventilating, and cooling historic buildings — historic signs — applied decoration for historic interiors — using substitute materials on historic building exteriors — understanding old buildings — understanding architectural cast iron Every chapter is written with the utmost detail and clarity so that any reader can perform the safest and most historically accurate repairs. The book also offers invaluable advice on what not to do that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the hobbyist or the professional restorer, The Preservation of Historic Architecture is the definitive government text on restoring, repairing, and preserving old buildings.

This classic text covers the gamut of preservation issues in layman’s language. Historic preservation, which started as a grassroots movement, now represents the cutting edge in a cultural revolution focused on “green” architecture and sustainability. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the many facets of historic preservation: the philosophy and history of the movement, the role of government, the documentation and designation of historic properties, sensitive architectural designs and planning, preservation technology, and heritage tourism, plus a survey of architectural styles. An ideal introduction to the field for students, historians, preservationists, property owners, local officials, and community leaders, this thoroughly revised edition addresses new subjects, including heritage tourism and partnering with the environmental community. It also includes updated case studies to reflect the most important historic preservation issues of today; and brings the conversation into the twenty-first century.

This new and substantially revised edition of Heritage Planning: Principles and Process offers an extensive overview of the burgeoning fields of heritage planning and conservation. Positioning professional practice within its broader applied and theoretical contexts, the authors provide a firm foundation for understanding the principles, history, evolution, debates, and tools that inform heritage planning, while also demonstrating how to effectively enact these processes. Few published works focus on the practice of heritage planning. The first edition of this book was developed to fill this gap, and this second edition builds upon it. The book has been expanded in scope to incorporate new research and approaches, as well as a wide range of international case studies. New themes reflect the emerging recognition that sustainability, climate resilience, human rights, social justice, and reconciliation are fundamental to the future of planning. Heritage Planning is indispensable reading, not only for professionals who transform the built environment, but for anyone who wants to understand the ideas and practices of heritage planning and conservation. For the benefit of student readers, twelve chapters—designed to accommodate the academic semester—are augmented with concise summaries, key terms and definitions, questions, and learning objectives.