Every historic building restoration or site reuse project presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Christman’s Historic Preservation Group helps project Owners and stakeholders navigate these complexities with clarity and confidence. While the value of a historic property is ultimately defined by the Owner, identifying and prioritizing that value—whether architectural, cultural, or financial—can be difficult.
For some projects, the significance of the building is well understood, the preservation strategy is straightforward, and the budget is sufficient. But more often, adaptive reuse projects require balancing cultural heritage with modern functionality, regulatory constraints, and funding limitations. Christman’s experience helps Owners evaluate these factors early and make informed decisions that reflect long-term goals.
Is the property still viable in its original configuration and use, needing only envelope restoration and repairs? Do outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems (MEP) need full replacement while preserving interior finishes? Or has the building become functionally obsolete, requiring adaptive reuse to remain relevant?
These questions are central to most historic projects. Many Owners tend to default to what’s been done in the past—but that can limit possibilities. Christman helps explore a full range of future outcomes through detailed case studies, cost benchmarking, and feasibility analysis, providing the clarity needed to move forward with confidence.
Preserving historic buildings can be expensive—but there are historic tax credits, grants, and financial tools that can significantly improve project viability. These programs, both federal and state, are designed to recognize the cultural, environmental, and economic value of historic preservation.
Christman has guided owners through successful tax credit applications on a variety of projects, from museums and academic buildings to multifamily housing and corporate headquarters. The team helps determine whether these incentives make sense for your project, while also supporting compliance with program requirements and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Most buildings benefit from a zoned preservation approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties outlines four key treatment options: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. These treatments can be applied strategically across different areas of the building to balance historic integrity, project costs, and long-term functionality.
Christman works with clients to identify character-defining features, determine levels of material authenticity, and develop a zoning strategy tailored to the building’s condition and use. For example, many projects prioritize full preservation and repair on the exterior façade, while applying more flexible rehabilitation standards to interior spaces. These nuanced decisions improve both budget accuracy and overall project success.
Large or complex historic sites—especially those with multiple structures or evolving programming—can benefit greatly from a preservation master plan. Master planning allows Owners to align phased construction, funding availability, and operational needs over time. In many cases, a phased approach is more realistic and sustainable than one comprehensive restoration effort.
Christman helps map out short- and long-term objectives, coordinate with funding cycles, and minimize disruption to existing operations. This ensures that each phase contributes to the larger vision for the site’s preservation and reuse.
For over 40 years, Christman’s Historic Preservation Group has specialized in restoring and revitalizing historic buildings across the country. With deep expertise in preservation methods, regulatory compliance, adaptive reuse planning, and financial incentives, Christman is uniquely positioned to support decision-making at every phase of your project.
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