At DNA Workshop, our historic restoration architects believe that architecture is more than just designing for the present; it’s about preserving the past and ensuring a vibrant future. From revitalizing urban spaces to safeguarding community history, historic restoration offers many benefits beyond preserving historic buildings with historic restoration architects. Explore the many advantages of historic restoration, demonstrated by our past projects.
Defining Key Terms
Before we begin, let’s establish a clear understanding of essential terms that may help you understand the goals of your potential historic renovation project with your future historic restoration architects:
- Renovation: Enhancing existing buildings for modern use while preserving historical elements.
- Restoration: Meticulously returning a structure to its original or historically significant state, prioritizing authenticity.
- Preservation: Carefully maintaining a historic site with minimal changes, valuing its historical context.
- Conservation: Extending beyond structures to preserve cultural and natural heritage through sustainable stewardship.
Revitalizing Urban Spaces With Historic Restoration Architects
Nestled in the heart of Baton Rouge, the 440 on Third project is a prime example of how our historic restoration architects can use historic restoration to breathe life into urban areas. This mixed-use development not only enhances the cityscape but also promotes eco-friendly living and working.
By preserving the existing structure, we’ve transformed once unusable spaces into modern offices and introduced a full-sized grocery store on the ground floor. This benefits the building’s residents and serves as a valuable resource for the surrounding community. Our project received LEED certification and the 2016 Baton Rouge Growth Coalition Good Growth Award, highlighting the sustainable and economic advantages of historic restoration.
Preserving Community History
Old buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes aren’t mere structures; they’re connections between generations that bridge the gap between our communities’ past and present. Caring for these buildings is crucial for fostering a vibrant, closely-knit community that values its history. When we restore historic properties, we’re not just renovating old buildings. We’re passing on the memories and heritage of our community. One of the most significant benefits of historic restoration is preserving a community’s story, ensuring our history endures for generations.
Furthermore, by promoting traditional building techniques, we ensure that future craftsmen acquire valuable skills contributing to well-made spaces.
Protecting and Enhancing Community Identity
Historic preservation is all about safeguarding what makes a community unique. By conserving historic elements, neighborhoods retain their distinctive personalities, preserving a place’s charm, history, and character. It acts as a visual symbol of local identity, fostering a sense of community pride.
Our work on the Savannah Historic Renovations is a perfect example. Leveraging historic tax credits to finance this project, we meticulously restored 55 historic buildings from the 1800s into 233 unique, affordable housing units. This project even earned an HGBS Green certification, demonstrating that historic preservation can align with modern sustainability goals.
Historic neighborhoods have a unique ability to transport us to various time periods, like a living time capsule. In Savannah, we didn’t just save individual buildings. We revitalized an entire historic neighborhood by creating affordable housing for many generations to come.
Efficient Resource Use
Historic restoration naturally embraces sustainability. It encourages the smart use of resources by recycling existing buildings and materials, minimizing waste, and reducing the environmental impact of construction. DNA Workshop has been able to earn certifications like LEED Gold by incorporating green practices like energy-efficient systems and natural lighting. Our DNA Workshop Headquarters is a prime example of how we value sustainable design, turning an old storage warehouse in Baton Rouge’s Mid-City into a beautiful and functional space.
Attracting Investment and Revitalization
Historic preservation works wonders for our communities, elevating their visual appeal and infusing them with a distinctive charm. With their intricate and unique architecture, these historic structures become captivating focal points that draw in tourists and fill residents with pride.
However, the influence spreads beyond aesthetics. Historic preservation acts as a stimulation for investment and revitalization. DNA Workshop has proudly revitalized historic buildings, including converting the Lafayette Courthouse into beautiful apartments. Additionally, we built our own Baton Rouge office within a local cold storage warehouse, breathing new life into a forgotten and abandoned structure.
By prioritizing restoration, historic areas can attract new residential and commercial developments. These revamped spaces can become tourist magnets, creating jobs for locals and breathing life into once-neglected neighborhoods. It’s a win-win scenario where history and economic growth converge.
Interested in Working With DNA Workshop on a Historical Renovation Project?
Historic restoration isn’t just about the past; it’s about improving our future. It helps our communities keep their character, specialness, and sustainability. By using resources wisely, adding charm, and drawing in investment, historic restoration makes our neighborhoods healthier and livelier.
At DNA Workshop, we’re excited to be part of this journey, revitalizing historic spaces while keeping their unique stories alive. If you’re interested in working with us, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you so we can keep preserving the past and building a brighter future together.