Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. These are a critical set of ten principles established by the United States Department of the Interior to guide work on historic buildings. Developed by the National Park Service, they provide a consistent framework for preserving historic character while allowing for compatible new uses. Their primary purpose is to ensure that rehabilitation projects retain a property's historic significance and distinctive materials and features.

Historical Background and Purpose

The standards were formally codified in 1977, following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This landmark legislation, championed by figures like Lady Bird Johnson, established the National Register of Historic Places and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The creation of the standards was a direct response to the need for clear, nationwide criteria to evaluate rehabilitation work, particularly for the newly established Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program administered by the Internal Revenue Service. Their purpose is to promote responsible preservation that protects a property's historic integrity while accommodating necessary changes for continued use.

The Ten Standards

The ten standards are intentionally broad philosophical statements rather than prescriptive specifications. They emphasize retaining and repairing historic materials, distinguishing new additions from old work, and using sensitive design approaches. Key directives include preserving distinctive features, craftsmanship, and spatial relationships. The standards caution against removing historic material or creating false historical appearances, advocating instead for reversible new work where possible. This approach is fundamentally different from the more rigid guidelines found in some local historic district commissions like the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Application and Interpretation

Practical application of the standards is detailed in the companion Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. These guidelines, published by the National Park Service, offer illustrated technical advice on topics like repairing wood windows, designing compatible additions, and installing new mechanical systems. Interpretation often occurs during the Section 106 review process or during project reviews for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program. State Historic Preservation Officers, such as those in California or Virginia, play a key role in applying the standards at the local level.

Relationship to Historic Preservation Tax Incentives

The standards are the mandatory benchmark for all projects seeking certification under the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, a powerful partnership between the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service. To receive a 20% investment tax credit, a rehabilitation must be certified by the National Park Service as meeting the standards. This process has driven the preservation of iconic structures nationwide, from the Ford Plantation in Richmond, Virginia to the Clock Tower Building in Chicago, Illinois. The success of this program is often highlighted by organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Role in Federal and State Projects

Beyond tax incentives, the standards influence a wide array of undertakings. They are a critical reference in the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which requires federal agencies to consider effects on historic properties. This affects projects involving the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Highway Administration, and the General Services Administration. Many states, including Texas and Massachusetts, have adopted similar standards for their own grant programs or for projects subject to state laws like the California Environmental Quality Act.

Distinction from Other Preservation Standards

It is crucial to distinguish these standards from other preservation treatments. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties encompasses four distinct approaches: Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction. Rehabilitation, as defined here, allows for the most alteration to accommodate new uses while preserving key historic features. This contrasts with Restoration, which aims to depict a property at a specific period in its history, as often practiced at sites like Colonial Williamsburg or Mount Vernon. The standards also differ from local design guidelines or strict covenants used by organizations such as the Historic Charleston Foundation. Category:Historic preservation in the United States Category:United States Department of the Interior Category:National Park Service Category:Architectural conservation