PROJECT PLANNING
Preserving What Time Built with a Clear, Purposeful, and Timeless Approach.
Oklahoma City Historic Preservation Project Planning
A successful project starts with proper planning. Our Oklahoma City historic preservation project planning approach ensures clarity, efficiency, and historical accuracy before any tools are picked up. We guide clients through the early phases of their project by combining deep knowledge of traditional building methods with practical, budget-conscious recommendations. Our team works closely with property owners, municipalities, preservation commissions, and other professionals to build solutions that are not only code-compliant but deeply informed by local and national preservation standards.
We offer:
Documentation of existing conditions through detailed assessments
Research into traditional construction and modern building science
Project-specific recommendations aligned with regulatory guidelines
Phased preservation timelines based on structure condition and use
A clearly written, biddable scope of work for contractors or trades
Proposals balancing structural needs, historic integrity, and budget
Materials selection aligned with Secretary of the Interior's Standards
Construction drawings, specifications, and permitting
Historic Exteriors
The exterior of a building is its most visible connection to history. Our team specializes in comprehensive restoration of historic envelopes, from foundational elements to architectural detailing. These are not patch jobs or cosmetic fixes. We take on full-scope restoration of wood, masonry, and other traditional materials to ensure long-term preservation. Our work is grounded in local context and design standards. We’ve completed major façade and envelope restoration projects for landmarks like the Harn Homestead, and residential projects throughout Crown Heights, Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, and Edgemere Park.
Our exterior home remodeling projects include:
Full-building exterior restoration projects
Repair and restoration of wood siding and historic masonry
Window and door restoration and stabilization
Preservation painting using custom-developed coatings and methods
Historic masonry cleaning, repointing, and restoration
Roofing repairs and replacements using historically appropriate materials
DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES
Unlike typical design-build firms focused on trend-based remodels, we specialize in returning homes and commercial structures to their historic roots. That means undoing poorly executed renovations, restoring original character, and enhancing long-term function. This doesn’t mean removing walls for open-concept living or painting historic millwork. We approach projects like an episode of This Old House. Our focus is craftsmanship, building science, and historical continuity, not trend cycles. We don’t modernize for the sake of modern. We make buildings functional, enduring, and full of character again.
Our design-build work focuses on:
Whole-home interior renovations that retain historic layouts and details
Adaptive reuse of historic structures for commercial or mixed-use
Upper-story apartment conversions on Main Street
Additions designed to blend seamlessly with the original architecture
Historically inspired new construction using traditional materials
Oklahoma City Historic Preservation FAQS
What approvals do I need before starting a preservation project?
To begin any work you’ll typically need a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission or Planning Department staff. Especially anything that alters the exterior, involves additions, demolitions, or new construction. These must be obtained alongside your building permit. It’s recommended to submit for the certificate even before applying for the permit, though concurrent submission is allowed.
Are there grants or funding opportunities for the planning phase of preservation projects?
Yes. The PlanFirst Grant, administered by Preservation Oklahoma in partnership with BancFirst, helps fund planning-stage efforts like architectural plans, condition assessments, or feasibility studies. It offers dollar-for-dollar matching up to $1,500, and focuses solely on planning, not construction.
How do I start the application process for a preservation project?
You can contact us at Old Home Rescue! We are a local resource that helps homeowners and property owners navigate Oklahoma City’s historic preservation process. We can guide you through what documentation is needed, help with the Historic Preservation Application Packet, and connect you with the City’s Planning staff when required.
What happens if I make changes without approval?
Unauthorized work in a Historic Preservation District may result in a stop-work order, fines, or requirements to undo the work. In some cases, the city can require restoration to original conditions at the property owner’s expense.
Can modern materials or designs be used in historic districts?
In some cases, yes! If they respect the historic character of the property and district. The Historic Preservation Commission may allow modern materials that closely resemble original ones (e.g., composite siding or modern windows), but purely trend-driven alterations that detract from historic integrity are generally not approved.
OKLAHOMA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION TESTIMONIALS
REQUEST AN OKLAHOMA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECT TODAY.
Location
401 South Blackwelder Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73108, United States.
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