Architecture

SPARK Consulting provides assistance relating to historic architecture to historic preservation commissions, Main Street programs, individuals, and other organizations, including recommendations for design guidelines, individual building facade improvements, and rehabilitation of historic structures.  Partnerships with architects are also created to develop appropriate plans for the rehabilitation of historic properties.

Projects involving rehabilitation of historic buildings are typically specifically designed to meet a client's needs.  Rehabilitation recommendations can be made in a historic assessment report to guide the future use, projects, and maintenance of a historic building.  Recommendations can also be made specifically for commercial building facades that have sustained alterations through the years for property owners interested in a more historically appropriate appearance.  These recommendations often involve research on the property.  Property owners may wish to apply for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit for rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties to assist with the financial aspects of these rehabilitation projects.   Finally, other projects involving historic architecture may be broader and incorporate numerous buildings, such as developing a set of design standards for historic district or properties to monitor future alterations or infill new construction.

Rebecca Lawin McCarley is thoroughly knowledgeable about the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and has experience completing the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit application for the rehabilitation of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  These standards are utilized as the basis for her recommendations, as these standards must be met for tax credit and most grant programs.  For more information, please contact SPARK Consulting.