Most of us never consider the efforts and details that go into the restoration of a historic home. However, once you embark on such a project you quickly learn that it takes patience, discipline, and much attention to detail. Restoring a historic home also requires an extensive knowledge of local and state laws that mandate all the requirements pertaining to the process of preservation versus the process of renovation.
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| Restoration process at The Inn |
Each state has it’s own individual HPO, or historic preservation office. This state funded office will provide you with information that will assist you in your restoration project for free of charge. For example, the HPO in Arizona will provide renovators with a list of properties that have been designated as historical, maps that designate the NRHD (National Register Historic District), information on preservation requirements and tax credits, and even information on the procedures one should take if something recorded in your building plan does not comply with the active historic preservation codes. The Arizona HPO has been instrumental in the restoration of many Tucson hotels
If the property you’ve chosen to renovate lies within the National Register district, you will be required to follow all the certified state and federal guidelines for renovation both in the interior and on exterior of the structure. Conversely, if the property you have chosen to renovate is only locally historic, you will only be required to follow historic preservation guidelines during renovations to the exterior.
The good news is, while preserving historic property is occasionally painstaking, it is beneficial for the community. Aside from that, it's important to note that authority figures serving in your state’s historic preservation office are typically flexible when it comes to some of the guidelines of preservation. If it comes down to canceling a project all together versus bending the rules a bit, typically the ‘rule bending’ wins.
If you’re planning a historic renovation, it might be beneficial to visit a few previously restored locations. There are several historic Tucson hotels, as well as many Tucson bed and breakfast locations that are fully functional and beautifully preserved. Take some time to review other successfully renovated buildings in order to get a good idea of what will be required of you for your own project.
Historic restoration and preservation can be a tedious and time consuming process, but it is also one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. If you’re truly serious about bringing history to life, high quality restoration of a historic home or building is an enjoyable and genuine way to do so.
