HP update 9/06

Did I mention that it's hot?  And that I'm lazy?  Yea.  I think I did.  Anyway . . . it still is, and I still am, so here goes another "article" in which I plagiarize sections of the Historic Preservation Guidelines, this time regarding the preservation and rehabilitation of "original building fabric." * Note:  You must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) before you undertake exterior changes of any kind on your property (email me for details).

[excerpted from the Historic Preservation Guidelines and Standards]

Section 2.1

PRESERVATION AND REHABILITATION OF ORIGINAL BUILDING FABRIC

When the existing form, materials and ornament of a historic building cause it to retain its essential historic character, preservation and maintenance of those features is the preferred treatment. Preservation means the act of sustaining (or retaining) the building’s original (and historic) form, integrity and materials. When a building has been subjected to numerous alterations over time, it is important to determine the relative integrity and importance of existing materials and forms. If the alterations are an important part of the building’s history or significance, then their preservation may be appropriate, particularly if they are more than 50 years old.

Historic architectural features and materials must be preserved while adapting the building to contemporary use.

Any missing or severely deteriorated elements may be replaced in -kind (replaced with the same element or material) to closely match the original feature. Ensure that roof, window, cornice and parapet treatments are preserved, or when preservation is not possible, replace in -kind.

It is encouraged that incompatible non-historic alterations to a historic building be removed, and the building ‘brought back’ to its’ original appearance. If you are altering a historic building, non-historic alterations in the area of the proposed alteration should be removed. Often, "modern" renovations conceal the original facade details.

If important original materials do not remain, the original form may be recreated. Historic photographs, Sanborn fire insurance maps, written accounts and other sources may provide information about the earlier appearance of buildings. Sources for historic photographs include the Oklahoma City public library, the Oklahoma Historical Society (the State Historical Preservation Office) and the City of Oklahoma City Planning Department.