- There are many benefits of historic restoration, including educational impact and economic benefits.
- Historic preservation protects heritage and the environment, while boosting education and the economy.
- Old Home Rescue is a company that specializes in historic building restorations and preservation.
When you think of historic preservation, you might not think of all the work that goes on behind the scenes. From registering a historic property to the actual renovations and restorations, it sounds like a lot. If you have a property you are looking to restore and reserve, you are bound to run into endless options for what exactly could be done. Not to mention the different opinions on how the restoration needs to be done. If you have a historic property but are on the fence about preserving it, just think, restoring the past has the potential to power the future of your town! There are so many benefits of historic restoration and preservation of an old home that it may be hard to know where to start. We will look into this together and talk through any of the benefits associated with restoring your home!
What Is Considered A Historic Building?
Historic buildings are often identified in several ways. Some are officially listed on historic registries, while others are secured by local preservation laws. In many cases, a building is considered historic because it reflects the architectural style and cultural context of the time period in which it was built. These structures act as tangible records of a community’s heritage and offer insight into a specific era. As you can imagine, there are many benefits of historic restoration.
Benefits of Historic Restoration
There are so many benefits of historic restoration that it’s hard to pick a place to start! First, preservation helps to maintain the cultural identity within communities by tying historical buildings to local heritage. Preservation fosters continuity and physical connection between the present and the past, allowing many generations to experience and appreciate the cultural heritage. Another benefit to preserving historic buildings is that it promotes sustainability through the reuse of structures that already exist, which in turn reduce construction. Lastly, historic preservation creates jobs, stimulates investments, as well as improves property values especially in designated historic districts.
Educational Value
Educational value is one of the first benefits of historic restoration and preservation that we want to discuss. Historic buildings serve as real-life educational tools that connect people directly to architectural styles, craftsmanship, and of course, historical events. Preservation promotes the study of historic architecture, construction methods, as well as social values in the time periods in which the structures were built. There are programs by the ACHP (Advisory Council on Historic Preservation) that helps to emphasize the role of preservation in teaching cultural heritage and shared history. The educational benefits don’t stop there, though! They extend to research that enables kids to explore past materials and techniques as well as urban development patterns.
Economic Value
Also a benefit of historic restoration, is the economic value. Historic preservation generates jobs and household income, particularly through restoration projects, tourism, and neighborhood revitalization. This quickly becomes a benefit of historic restoration for your community. Buildings designated as historic often experience increased property value, making preservation an effective tool for development of the local economy. Increased tourism results in higher tourist spending as visitors become drawn to historic areas. They tend to stay longer, and support more local businesses. The reduced construction because of historic preservation becomes more cost effective which then becomes almost an incentive to property owners. Finally, the reuse of historic materials will reduce construction costs and enhance the unique market appeal of preserved property.
Environmental Benefits
Another one of the most notable benefits of historic restoration and preservation is the environmental benefits associated with it. Reusing historic buildings minimizes the environmental impact of demolition and also reduces landfill waste. The act of preserving instead of rebuilding conserves energy and materials by extending the life of existing buildings that are often made with superior materials like hardwood or stone. By reducing the need for new construction, it helps save open land and reduces urban sprawl. By restoring and preserving historic buildings, communities will conserve their natural resources. It also lowers the carbon footprint that is associated with manufacturing and transporting new building materials.
Community Revitalization
The next benefit of historic restoration is community revitalization. Preserving and restoring instead of rebuilding can be a key factor in revitalization of the community. Restoring historic structures brings back vitality, boosts community morale, and brings neighborhood pride. Preserved and restored historic buildings attract business and new residents that can help spark long-term economic and social improvement. Preserved landmarks often can become focal points for community events and tourism because of historical significance. The reuse of buildings like schools and theaters and even homes foster neighborhood engagement and re-inventment! That’s just the beginning of what the benefits of restoring and preserving historic buildings entail.
How To Register An Old Building For Historic Preservation
There are a few steps to follow when trying to register an old building for historic preservation. Begin by identifying whether the building meets the criteria for historic significance based on age, architecture, and historical associations. Next, the historic fabric must be completed. Which is basically a formal survey and documentation of your building. Your application will go through the State Historic Preservation Office, which will assess your building’s eligibility. It is important to engage with the preservation professionals at Old Home Rescue to have them help document the original materials and craftsmanship. Community input and support may help to strengthen the case for registration, especially if the building is seen as important to the community. Lastly, once registered, the building may qualify for federal and state tax incentives, technical assistance, and grand opportunities. Registering your old building will help you reap the benefits of historic restoration!
Experience the Benefits of Historic Restoration With Old Home Rescue
Our skilled remodel contractors bring extensive experience in both residential and commercial historic building restoration. From unique home renovations to old house renovations, and aging properties in need of revitalization, our historic building restoration and preservation services breathe new life into each space while honoring its unique past.
Contact Old Home Rescue
Need help with your historic property restoration project? Give us a call to discuss your restoration needs.
Phone: 405.549.9880
Email: info@oldhomerescue.com
