Historic Preservation Consulting

AltusWorks provides consulting and technical services pertaining to the rehabilitation or preservation of historic structures.

National Preservation Act, Section 106 Consulting

For projects funded by the Federal Government, Section 106 of the National Preservation Act requires historic research, assessment and evaluation of eligible historic resources within the project’s Area of Potential Effects to identify and mitigate adverse effects created by the project imposed on significant historic resources and their characteristics of integrity for which they are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Structures Reports and Preservation Plans

Historic Structures Reports and Preservation Plans are important for the development and planning of any large scale or long term rehabilitation project. The Reports provide historic, graphic, and physical information about a property’s construction, existing condition and character defining features. They serve as a vital planning document for decisions on preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction treatments. Providing context statements, identifying significance and identifying overarching themes, these reports establish a concrete baseline which protects and preserves historic resources. Building owners and managers use AltusWorks’ Historic Structures Reports and Preservation Plans to help implement their capital improvement programs, develop policies and execute sound planning.

Restoration Documentation and Execution

Restoration of historic properties requires specific expertise in material conservation, historic building technology and current construction systems to design a comprehensive restoration program that respects the character defining features and historic integrity while enhancing the performance of the building and increasing the comfort and security of the users. AltusWorks collaborates with owners and other design firms to provide creative solutions to the restoration of historic building elements whether that be the building envelope systems, interior spaces or significant details and materials all in conformance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Historic Illinois and American Building Survey/Engineering Record (HIBS/HABS/HAER) Documentation

The Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) is the nation’s first federal preservation program, launched in 1933 to document America’s architectural and engineering heritage. The documentation includes written history, site plan, floor plans, interior sections, and decorative detail drawings. When drawings do not exist for a property, HIBS/HABS/HAER documentation can be useful for rehabilitation and repair projects. AltusWorks can prepare the documentation as well as submit the documents in the Library of Congress’ HABS/HAER collection for archiving.

National Register Nominations

The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s list of cultural resources recognized for their historical and architectural significance and considered worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic resources. National Register properties are documented and evaluated according to uniform standards. The criteria include significance to local or national history through the integrity of design, location, setting, materials, feeling, or association. Listing in the National Register creates many benefits for owners, including the eligibility for federal and state tax benefits, recognition of its significance to the nation, the state, or the community, and consideration in the planning for federally-assisted projects. AltusWorks works with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and National Park Service to confirm eligibility requirements and prepares the National Register nomination application process.

Local Landmark and Historic District Nominations

Many communities adopt the concept of Local Landmark and Historic District designation as a way to recognize and preserve historic structures at the local level. AltusWorks assists communities and individuals wishing to nominate a particular structure as a Local Landmark or to survey an area for a Historic District. AltusWorks researches, photographs, and writes appropriate applications, as well as works with communities and agencies to create the designation process. The benefits of becoming a Local Landmark or a contributing building in a Historic District include the availability of certain tax credits and the possibility of raising the property values in the area.

Financial Incentives

AltusWorks prepares all the necessary documentation to ensure that the property qualifies for programs, creates designs that follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and completes the final paperwork for state and local officials. AltusWorks advises the owner on a preservation approach for the structure that is the most economically feasible while meeting the requirements of the program.