Assessment for the extended uses of historic structures

Abstract

This thesis constructs a tool for assessing the interventions required to extend the use of historic properties in historic districts. The continued use of these structures, either historically noteworthy or important as contributing to the context, provides for preservation of buildings and sites, encourages economic investment, and promotes community pride in its traditions. The study generates an inventory of a structure's historical and physical features and defines the necessary interventions for compliance with the minimum building requirements for a certificate of occupancy and for stabilization of historic features. The intervention assessment tool is derived from the compilation of requirements from the Uniform Building Code, Historic American Building Survey / Historic American Engineering Record Guidelines, and the U.S. Department of Interior Guide for Rehabilitation. The assessment tool is a histogram that depicts the relative scope of work required for the various interventions. The scale of the scope of work is determined by the expertise of the assessing team, including architects, engineers, and contractors. Masonry buildings of a variety of configurations were used as the case studies. It is anticipated that the tool will be equally effective for other building types and construction methods. The relative scale of the tool provides a comparative view of the required interventions and the historical significance of the structure. The assessment becomes a data base from which the physical and historical features and required interventions for a group of structures can be marketed to potential users and developers for identifying compatible and economically feasible uses for extending the life of the selected historic structures.