Specifying Materials for Historic Preservation Projects Requires Thoughtful Research WRITTEN BY THOMAS JESTER, AIA, LEED AP
historic district commissions and preserva- tion review boards. These commissions are charged with the stewardship of the historic properties they review, and changes to the properties must be historically accurate and appropriate to maintain each building’s historic character. So how does one go about identifying and selecting materials and products that are acceptable? Selecting and specifying materials
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appropriate for historic projects can be challenging for architects, builders and homeowners. It is always advisable to start by contacting your local commission for guidance on its requirements. Many commissions have websites with useful information, including guidelines, to assist with material selection. Speaking with staff members assigned to the commission is another great way to learn which types of materials may be required for elements, such as windows, doors, siding and roofi ng. For example, it usually is acceptable to replace an asphalt shingle roof on a build- ing that originally had slate roofi ng because the building has been altered and the cost of in-kind replacement with slate roofi ng would be prohibitive. Each state also has a State Historic Preservation Offi ce with staff that can assist with the identifi cation
lterations to historic buildings that are located within a historic district or individually designated are often subject to review by
and selection of appropriate materials for preservation projects. In many cases, preservation boards will
require replacement materials be in-kind to match the original materials, particu- larly on primary and secondary elevations. Wood siding and wood windows are good examples. Many commissions will require replacement windows be wood with true divided-lite muntins and will not permit the use of aluminum-clad windows with applied muntins. Generally more fl exibility exists when selecting materials for addi- tions to historic buildings or less-prominent (rear) elevations that are not visible from a public right-of-way.
For its recently completed National Academy of Sciences Building restoration in Washington, D.C., Quinn Evans Archi- tects, Washington, utilized two different approaches for the windows. The original section of the building was constructed in
Chartered by Congress in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences is a private, non-profit society of distinguished scholars that provides independent advice to the nation about matters related to science and technology. Designed by Bertram G. Goodhue and completed in 1924, the building is one of the few privately owned buildings on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
PHOTO: MAXWELL MACKENZIE
Prior to a comprehensive rehabilitation
of the Eastern Market, it was devastated by fire, requiring additional and substantial restoration of the building. The renovated space now includes an automatic fire-suppression system.