Historic Guidelines

It's time to rethink the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines, which many cities and counties have adopted for their local historic districts. First, the concept of "false historicism" --linked to Standards #3 and #9-- is used perversely to require contemporary design, when in fact there are other options for differentiating between old and new architectural features. Second, the ban on the use of architectural salvage --Standard #3--runs counter to the prevailing eco-conscious emphasis on recycling. In Richmond, VA jarringly incompatible (Modernist) infill has been mandated by review boards so that it will not be mistaken for having always been there. But isn't that the point? Shouldn't buildings in historic districts blend harmoniously? Modern design shouldn't be forced on people who don't want it and in neighborhoods where it doesn't belong. People are attracted to historic districts because of their special character, their ambience, their evocation of the past---all of which are being eroded by the very agencies, institutions and guidelines established to protec them. Compounding the problem is that many of these rehabilitation projects not only degrade surrounding historic properties, the owners are also rewarded for doing so with lucrative Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. See a video on this subject at: http://www.oldhouseauthority.com/archive/false_historicism.php

House History

Part of what I love about old houses is their history. But I don't know the history of my own house because physical and documentary evidence don't add up. The house doesn't appear on maps until 1876, but its construction and architectural details are earlier. I keep hoping we'll be visited by the spirit of a former resident who will give us the real story.