Historic Preservation
Sustainable design is not only for new construction; as a matter of fact, our greenest buildings are already built. You could rightly say that historic preservation is the “original green!”
Green Preservation
Historic preservation is inherently green, and it can be even greener. Historic Preservation and high-performance green architecture are not mutually exclusive. Does the "original green" architecture in your town hold the key to a sustainable future? See why building reuse outperforms new construction:
Why older buildings have a lighter environmental footprint.
The importance of walkability and high-quality materials.
How existing buildings can be retrofitted to maximize their value.
Read the full article: Existing Buildings are Green: Do They Energize You Heart?
Historic District Revitalization
We will look at the process of renewing and revitalizing these places through the art of combining historic preservation with the best building science and new neighborhood redevelopment practices. How do you tackle the worst house on the block? Follow the creative journey of rescuing a dilapidated historic property:
Identifying the plagues of under-appreciated historic properties.
Conducting damage assessments and forming a game plan.
Navigating the local historic preservation review process.
Read the full story: Worst on the Block: Historic District & Dilapidated Structure 101
Main Street America™
The Main Street America™ revitalization strategy applied at the grass-roots level has allowed thousands of communities across America to recast their historic downtown districts as the heart of town life. What is the time-tested formula for transforming a historic downtown back into the heart of community life? Explore the grassroots movement:
How thousands of communities have brought renewed energy to their commercial districts.
The economic power of authentic historic preservation.
Reconnecting with the memory and legacy of your downtown.
Read the full article: Main Street: The Time-tested Basis for Green Heart Towns
Historic District Redevelopment
There is a hidden density and potential for redevelopment in your Main Street areas, Historic Preservation become the catalyst for sustainable redevelopment. Are you capitalizing on the inherent value of your town's built assets? Listen in as a national expert shares her vision for green historic preservation:
A deep dive with Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America.
How historic buildings serve as inherently sustainable resources.
Merging social, environmental, and economic performance.
Listen to the podcast: Green Historic Preservation with Patrice Frey
Adaptive Reuse
Modern historic preservation and adaptive reuse go together like peas and carrots. Formally, recognized as worthy of receiving historic tax-credits, building rehabilitation is the modern accepted standard for treatment of historic property. Can a 1920s duplex be transformed into a single-family dream home? Discover how adaptive reuse breathes new life into neglected spaces:
Navigating the challenges of a major historic home renovation.
How building rehabilitation meets modern accepted standards.
Preserving character-defining features while creating your dream layout.
Read the full story: In the Aftermath of Neglect: A Creative Historic Home Renovation
Mixed-use Development
Combining residential dwelling and commercial enterprises is one of the most traditional, historic Main Street principles. Along with redeveloping upper floors with modern lofts, downtown buildings offer attractive options for live/work situations.
Green Heart Town
True sustainable architecture begins with stewarding the buildings that already exist. Our historic properties are our towns' greatest assets and hallmarks of resilient design. Read our most recent historic preservation stories below to see how adaptive reuse and thoughtful energy retrofits are breathing new life into these gentle giants.
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