The preservation of historic buildings plays an important role in maintaining cultural identity, architectural heritage and community connection. At Christman, we began our commitment to historic preservation more than three decades ago after recognizing a gap in the general contracting industry, where historic structures were often treated like modern buildings without regard for their unique challenges or significance.
To address this, we formed a dedicated internal team: our Historic Preservation Group, a national group of construction professionals with specialized training and experience in the complexities of preservation work. The group was formally established in 1992 and continues to focus on projects that require more than traditional construction management and projects that benefit from informed decision-making rooted in deep technical knowledge, historical sensitivity and respect for traditional materials and methods.
Preservation work is fundamentally different from new construction. It often requires research into original materials, traditional building techniques, and historical context. What might look like a simple repair could have major implications for authenticity and long-term stability.
For example, replacing a damaged cornice will involve investigation of the original method of installation and potentially sourcing materials that are no longer standard in the industry. Decisions made without this understanding risk compromising the building’s integrity, or missing opportunities to preserve important features.
Our preservation team includes professionals who have undergone targeted training, including a 40-hour internal preservation curriculum led by our senior staff and industry partners.
This is supplemented by continuing education in trades-based workshops, conferences, and advanced preservation programs.
Our experience spans a broad range of building types and project goals, from stabilizing structures at risk of collapse, to managing historically sensitive renovations at landmarks like Mount Vernon, the U.S. Capitol and Michigan Central Station.
Some projects focus on museum-level restoration, while others prioritize reuse and minimal compliance with historic tax credit requirements. Regardless of the scope, our approach is informed by a practical understanding of both construction and conservation, which helps us navigate design intent, funding sources, regulatory requirements, and preservation standards.
No two preservation projects are alike. Owners and design teams bring different priorities, such as functionality, budget, historical accuracy or long-term stewardship. Our role is to help balance these goals by contributing technical knowledge and identifying appropriate preservation strategies during both preconstruction and construction phases.
We work closely with architects, conservators, consultants and public stakeholders to ensure the building’s value is preserved in a meaningful way. Our aim is not to apply a rigid formula but to help make informed decisions that meet the unique needs of each project and its community.
Whether your goals involve restoring historic fabric, repurposing a landmark building, or navigating tax credit programs, Christman helps define where your project fits on the spectrum of preservation—and how to move forward with purpose and precision.
Thomas Whitmore
Vice President – Historic Preservation