What Does It Mean To Be In a Historic District?

Historically or architecturally significant properties, buildings, and sites are located all throughout the United States. While some think that historic districts are just a few fun places to visit while on vacation, the truth is that historic districts are scattered around the nation, offering our country some of the most beautiful sights, rich culture, and unmatched quality design. And it all started in 1931, when the first historic district was established in Charleston, South Carolina.

While it’s common to associate places like the French Quarter in New Orleans or Greenwich Village in New York when thinking about historic districts, those two only scratch the surface of what the U.S. has to offer. In fact, thousands of historic districts dot the map and carry with them the beautiful preservation of history.

Understanding what it means to be in a historic district is important for homeowners, commercial property owners, real estate professionals, and more. First and foremost, let’s determine the basic differences between a National Register historic district and a local historic district:

• National Register Historic District: officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, identified for general planning purposes, based on standardized criteria and procedures, federal and state tax incentives are available, and district boundaries are set

• Local Historic District: designated by a local ordinance based on local standards and procedures, protections of significant properties of historic character, and fosters sensitive development through design review process

While there are certainly differences, both National Register historic districts and local historic districts are valuable when used as preservation tools, sometimes individually and sometimes concurrently. The ability to preserve historic resources in a community is paramount to keeping the nation’s history alive.

The Value of Historic Districts

Living in a historic district means seeing unmatched character on a daily basis. From the buildings and structures to the objects and sites, preserving history is imperative to maintaining a culture that recognizes the beauty and impact of the past. Some of the most notable reasons that a community would want to create a historic district include:

• Protections for significant historic properties

• A way to maintain property values

• Protections against specific development threats

• Improvement of the overall image of a community

• Fostering development in older areas

Beyond the above motives, there is an undeniable economic value in historic districts. Generally, property values in local historic districts appreciate much faster than the market as a whole. Findings show that this is proven to be consistent throughout the country, also highlighting the fact that historic districts are less susceptible to market volatility.

Designated historic districts also carry with them better quality design. As a result, these structures tend to use more creative materials, appeal to the general public, and offer an improved feeling of cohesiveness.

While both National Register historic districts and local historic districts can be found all over the map, the following cities boast the highest frequency of historic homes and historic districts:

1. New York, NY

2. Washington, DC

3. Portland, OR

4. Philadelphia, PA

5. Chicago, IL

One of the final elements of historic districts comes in identifying them as contributing or non-contributing. Contributing properties or resources refer to any structure, building, or object that adds to the architectural quality or historical integrity that makes a historic location significant. Interestingly, local, state, and national government agencies all have varying definitions of a contributing property. Regardless, in the simplest terms a contributing property helps to make a historic district historic.

All in all, historic districts in the United States are critical to maintaining the country’s storied past, natural beauty, and prolific culture. It is these areas that spark tourism, thought-provoking conversation, and inspiring design. Typically, the perfect marriage of charm and magnificence, historically or architecturally significant properties, buildings, and sites keep our cities unique, interesting, and valuable.

If your home is located in a historic district and you have any questions, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.

What are the Benefits of Green Architecture?

The “Green Movement” has seen many variations throughout history. From the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948 to the Clean Energy Act in 2009 and beyond, Americans have continuously looked for ways to reduce waste and encourage recycling. While this means different things for different industries, the architecture industry has responded with the creation and development of green architecture.

Green architecture centers on the idea of sustainability. The ability to build with the environment in mind requires a calculated mix of ingenuity and commitment to conservation. As such, the pledge to “preserve as much as possible” lays the foundation for successful green architects today.

While many architecture firms claim to work with a green approach, many fail to adhere to critical preservation principles in practice. Understanding the primary benefits of green architecture lays the foundation for architects to embrace new technologies and build with a consideration for sustainability.

Green Architecture for Modern Sustainability

Vehicles get the most attention surrounding fossil fuel consumption. And while electric cars may play a big role in reducing said consumption in the future, the reality is that buildings, not vehicles, are responsible for being the largest energy consumer. According to research from the University of Michigan, nearly 40 percent of all energy consumption in the United States is used in residential and commercial buildings.

Energy consumption in buildings can be addressed with the implementation of green design. So, how can architects be a part of the solution? From sourcing local materials to incorporating solar design to using reclaimed materials, there is a great opportunity for sustainability in buildings. Green architecture opens the door to some truly impactful benefits:

• Cost-effective: green architecture can lower building costs. Implementing habits like using reclaimed and recycled materials lowers construction costs. Plus, there are tax incentives for green home owners.

• Energy-efficient: sustainable architecture shifts dependency from electricity to renewable energy sources to achieve the same thing. As a result, utility needs are lowered. For instance, solar power uses the sun’s energy for heating and cooling living spaces. However, while solar power is appropriate in sunny, warm climates, green dollars might be better spent on other alternates in colder, grayer climates.

• Improved health: studies have shown that those living in homes with green architecture design are less likely to suffer from things like allergies or asthma due to the improved air quality in these homes.

• Home value: the market value of a home increases with green architecture. Pointing to things like lower utility costs and sustainable features, the resale value of residential and commercial green buildings is higher.

Green architecture has slowly but surely gained momentum in the United States and beyond. As everyone tries to reduce their energy consumption, innovative architects are offering solutions for small homes to large high-rises.

At Paul Janicki Architects, we are focused on a holistic approach to green architecture that centers on preservation. In doing so, we apply the “preserve as much as possible” approach to both new construction and historic home renovation.

Contact our office today to learn more about how we can apply our sustainable architecture principles to your home renovation.

9 Tips for Finding an Architect for Your Historic Home Renovation

Designated historic districts and landmarks necessitate a very specific set of requirements when it comes to renovations. Embarking on a historic home renovation project means calling upon experts to get the job done right. From contractors to architects, renovating a home in a historic district is a big undertaking and hiring the best team is crucial.

Since the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in 1966, the motives behind preservation efforts have shifted significantly. While previously established to maintain individual structures, the focus has evolved into preserving neighborhoods and districts. The NHPA seeks to achieve the following with historic structures:

·         Improve economic value

·         Preserve both history and authenticity

·         Maintain building materials

·         Increase the ability to reuse infrastructure

We benefit greatly from preserving the history and heritage that makes our country unique. Plus, the environmental benefits of recycling on such a large scale cannot be overstated. Green and sustainable architecture therefore go hand-in-hand with historic renovation projects.

Finding the Best Historic Home Renovation Architect

The search for a skilled, experienced, and trusted architecture firm for your historic home renovation project is no easy feat. Failing to hire the right person or team means wasted time and money. From understanding the restrictions placed on your historic home to having an expert to guide you throughout the historic approval process, an architect plays a massively critical role in each phase of the project.

Selecting the best architect to spearhead your historic home renovation project means looking strategically. The following are essential tips for finding an architect for your renovation:

1. Talk to your neighbors. If you live in a historic district, it is likely that your neighbors have worked with an architect and can refer someone to you.

2. Consider local resources like your State Historic Preservation Office or even a nearby chapter of the American Institute of Architects for referrals to a qualified architect.

3. Once you have found a few suitable options, reach out to those firms for a meeting. Discuss your goals and look to their expertise for guidance on the historic approval process as well as for alternative design options for your project.

4. Speak to your prospective architecture firm about their knowledge and capacity to achieve difference architectural styles.

5. Ensure that they incorporate green and sustainable architecture practices. This means preserving as much as possible to retain the home’s historic nature.

6. Discuss their use of local materials. A great historic home renovation architect will work with a contractor to source local materials for as much of the project as possible.

7. Ensure that the architect utilizes passive solar design, such as incorporating landscaping techniques to offer heat in the winter and shade in the summer.

8. Take a look at the firm’s portfolio, paying special attention to their work on kitchens and bathrooms.

9. Ask to see their sketchbook. As younger architects gain prominence, the art of sketching has slowly declined. However, character comes through in sketches that is hard to replicate with a computer. The ability to see several different versions of design options quickly via sketches is vital, as it gives the client more options when making critical design decisions.

A historic home renovation means that the building process must be of the highest quality and conform to the details of specific blueprints. Having the on-site presence of a qualified, skilled architect is paramount to the overall success of the project.

At Paul Janicki Architects, we have over 25 years of experience, focusing on new residential work as well as maintaining a specialty in renovating and expanding historic homes and homes located in historic districts. We play an instrumental role in successfully navigating designs through the complicated approval process associated with historic communities. While based in Evanston, IL, we’ve worked in historic communities throughout northern Illinois, California, Arizona, and Washington. Contact our architecture firm today to learn more.

Paul Janicki Architects Wins 15th Evanston Preservation Award

The 2019 Evanston Preservation Award for work on 325 Greenwood Street is the 15th such award earned by Paul Janicki Architects, and the 7th award received in the past five years.

The rear addition provides light and usable space to the rear entry, along with improved basement access.

The 2019 award makes a third set of back-to-back Evanston Preservation Award years for Paul Janicki Architects. In 2018 an Evanston Preservation Award was given for 1422 Judson Avenue. This project’s scope included a kitchen renovation and addition, as well as replacing the existing garage with one that now matches the house.

Michael Rabe of Paul Janicki Architects Honored with 2017 John Russell Pope Award

Recently the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Washington Mid Atlantic Chapter announced the 2017 John Russell Pope Award winners, recognizing excellence in classical architecture, artisanship, interior design, and landscape architecture. The Awards are named for John Russell Pope, 1874-1937, best known as the architect of the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Paul Janicki Architects’ very own, Michael Rabe, won the 2017 John Russell Pope Horizon Builders Student Award for his “Shipbuilding Museum.” During graduate school, Rabe designed this new concept for The Washington Maritime Museum as part of a larger urban plan to revitalize DC’s Southwest Quadrant. The proposed museum offers a public link between the city and the river, as well as a space for public events both inside and outside.

The prominent panel of jurors represented the disciplines of architecture, landscape design and interior design. Says Rabe, “Given the level of excellence among the professional winners, it was a tremendous honor to be selected for this prestigious award.”

Paul Janicki Architects and Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast Win Evanston’s Top Preservation Award

The City of Evanston has awarded Paul Janicki Architects its highest building preservation honor – the 2016 Margery B. Perkins Award – for the rehabilitation and restoration of Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast. The Perkins Award recognizes the most outstanding historic preservation project of a given year,” says Carlos Ruiz, City of Evanston Preservation Coordinator. Stone Terrace is owned by Jennifer Pritzker, Dawn Overend, and Tom and Sue Zipprich.

Stone Terrace was originally built in 1883 as a Queen Anne Victorian residence and served as a single-family home for well over a century. It was re-imagined in 1910 as a Tudor-revival style house by the renowned Evanston architectural firm Mayo and Mayo. The property was purchased in 2012, with the goal to revive the historic home as a cultural and community asset in Evanston's historic district.

After several years of careful design and construction to restore and refurbish the main house and build a new carriage house, Stone Terrace re-opened as a fully functioning luxury bed & breakfast in January 2016.

“A great amount of effort was made to preserve the mansion’s historic elements,” explains Paul Janicki of Paul Janicki Architects, who designed the home and new carriage house. The challenge with the project was not only the painstaking restoration of the architecture to its original grandeur, but also adapting the building for a new use while maintaining the architectural integrity. For example, the carriage house was carefully designed from the ground up to be a sympathetic companion to the main house.

The 2016 Evanston Preservation & Design Awards judges were: Aric Lasher, FAIA, Director of Design for Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge; Diana Melichar AIA, President of Melichar Architects; and Anne Sullivan FAIA, John H. Bryan Chair in Historic Preservation, SAIC Professor. Jurors said the Stone Terrace rehabilitation/restoration “represents an exemplary care in retention and duplication of character and defining elements,” and “a beautiful project and highly deserving of the Margery B. Perkins Award.”