Historic Preservation Services

As seasoned architects with a great appreciation for architectural history, we have developed an understanding of the designers that have come before us leaving behind a legacy which should be celebrated and preserved. Having strong educational backgrounds in architectural history and a desire to dig deeper into the “genius of the place”, we are always eager to make a project’s future reflect it’s past and preserve its integrity.

There are many reasons why Historic Preservation is an important part of our Firms Background.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to understand a building’s worth, especially in our modern day when buildings are often designed to be disposable – lasting only a few years before being replaced by a more modern structure. We see every building structure as an individual personality that should be respected to make our community strong.

Sometimes large structures sit unused for many years because their initial purpose and intent is long gone. But many times those buildings can be used in “Adaptive Reuse Projects” to provide a new modern facility within their old shells. Even smaller buildings and houses can feel out of touch with modern living. Many old houses have a host of problems that can be complex, including lack of insulation, drafty windows, knob and tube electrical systems, gravity heat systems or radiators that leak and groan when operating. But those structures also contain a wide variety of valuable design elements which would be extremely expensive, if not impossible, to replace in today’s modern construction industry. The structure alone can provide a valuable asset that can be efficiently reused, saving money and time and reducing the load on our environment.

TR Knapp Architects has won several awards for historic preservation and has worked on many large and small Preservation Projects including mixed use loft conversions, commercial storefronts and residences on the National List of Historic Structures. We enjoy every opportunity to provide a Building Owner the chance to bring their cherished structure back, to blow new life into an otherwise sleepy structure.