We all know there is plenty of advice on the internet and that some of it is very good and some of it is poor. One topic that I encounter frequently as a preservation consultant is the care of historic woodwork and furniture and the apparent need to feed, nourish or moisturize wood. Unfortunately, most […]
When talking about historic architecture we often use terms such as restoration, renovation, conservation or rehabilitation. However, these terms have very specific meanings when used in particular contexts which can be quite different from how they are commonly understood. It can be especially confusing when speaking to preservation professionals who use these terms following established […]
A few weeks ago I spotted a log home in Watertown, MN that had recently had its old clapboard siding and a kitchen addition removed. Since I wasn’t able to stop and take a closer look I kept driving and hoped that I might make it back before the building had disappeared. A couple of […]
Old growth timber is a term we hear on occasion but is rarely defined. For a cabinet maker or timber frame carpenter old growth timber is the ideal medium for strong and stable furniture and framing. But what exactly is old growth timber? Once upon a time in the forest primeval, eastern white pine and other species of trees […]
There are conflicting messages about using pressure washers when prepping building exteriors for painting. Some insist that pressure washers should never be used while others maintain that they are just fine and use them both for paint removal and cleaning. Which is accurate? As with most things, the truth is somewhere in between and depends on circumstance. […]
Historic preservation has changed its focus over the last few decades. Years ago historic preservation was largely an antiquarian exercise where citizens would save extraordinary and singular examples of historic architecture in their communities. Today preservation efforts are directed at a much broader slice of our architectural resources. In fact, we hardly think of it as […]
Historic Design will donate free architecture research services for a local institution, business or individual in 2017! Click here to learn more. We frequently see and hear about historic buildings and other structures being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, it isn’t clear to many what the National Register is and what […]
An important ritual for many American men during the 19th century was a weekly trip to the barber shop for a shave. The barbershop was a social hub in large cities and small towns alike as men congregated to gossip, do business, read the paper and get a professional shave. The shave was a multi-step process […]
CNN’s website has a nice article describing some preservation wins and losses in 2015. I find it encouraging to see coverage of preservation efforts in the popular media as it suggests that the idea of preserving our built heritage has become more mainstream and less the provenance of academics and architecture aficionados. Although resistance to preservation […]