Historic Resources Committee

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Robert,

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation recommend additions to historic properties be "differentiated from the old" and "compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing"(see Standard No. 9). While the SOI Standards are intended to be simply the best advice for working with older buildings, they are not required unless tied to something else (e.g., financial incentives, local laws, etc.).

The National Park Service developed a Preservation Brief that might be helpful for you: "New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns." Also, be sure to take a look at the Interpreting the Standards Bulletin series; though these come from the federal tax credit program, they are helpful on a range of preservation concerns, including elevator additions (see Bulletin No. 10).​

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

Robert,

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation recommend additions to historic properties be "differentiated from the old" and "compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing"(see Standard No. 9). While the SOI Standards are intended to be simply the best advice for working with older buildings, they are not required unless tied to something else (e.g., financial incentives, local laws, etc.).

The National Park Service developed a Preservation Brief that might be helpful for you: "New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns." Also, be sure to take a look at the Interpreting the Standards Bulletin series; though these come from the federal tax credit program, they are helpful on a range of preservation concerns, including elevator additions (see Bulletin No. 10).​

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Original Message------

Robert,

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation recommend additions to historic properties be "differentiated from the old" and "compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing"(see Standard No. 9). While the SOI Standards are intended to be simply the best advice for working with older buildings, they are not required unless tied to something else (e.g., financial incentives, local laws, etc.).

The National Park Service developed a Preservation Brief that might be helpful for you: "New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns." Also, be sure to take a look at the Interpreting the Standards Bulletin series; though these come from the federal tax credit program, they are helpful on a range of preservation concerns, including elevator additions (see Bulletin No. 10).​

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Robert,

There's always debate in preservation circles as to what is "differentiated" as well as "compatible." Differentiation can come in any number of ways, including material (color/texture) and other small details, such as how mortar is struck. In my experience, a completely different style or glass boxes are not required. Hope the publications help.

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-28-2020 15:51
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

Barbara:  I just read through the documents you recommended.  It says an addition should be differentiated from the historic structure, but to me, that does not mean a completely different style such as a glass box addition to a historic Byzantine structure with incredible brick detailing so that everyone knows it is an addition.  

If there are tax credits involved, is a glass box addition a requirement as opposed to glass walls with brick columns similar in detailing to the original building?

Thanks again for your email.  

Robert Taylor

Thanks again for the information.  

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

Robert,

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation recommend additions to historic properties be "differentiated from the old" and "compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing"(see Standard No. 9). While the SOI Standards are intended to be simply the best advice for working with older buildings, they are not required unless tied to something else (e.g., financial incentives, local laws, etc.).

The National Park Service developed a Preservation Brief that might be helpful for you: "New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns." Also, be sure to take a look at the Interpreting the Standards Bulletin series; though these come from the federal tax credit program, they are helpful on a range of preservation concerns, including elevator additions (see Bulletin No. 10).​

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Original Message------

Robert,

There's always debate in preservation circles as to what is "differentiated" as well as "compatible." Differentiation can come in any number of ways, including material (color/texture) and other small details, such as how mortar is struck. In my experience, a completely different style or glass boxes are not required. Hope the publications help.

Barbara

------------------------------
Barbara Howard Assoc. AIA
Minneapolis MN
------------------------------

Having worked on some nationally recognized historic building before, we have not been required to have a different style for the added structure.  I believe the intent is for a person with a background in preservation to be able to recognize the original from the addition. I have seen some great examples where a glass box has been added to a historic brick or stone structure.

------------------------------
John Weaver AIA
Weaver Architects
Jackson MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Standard #9 of the Secretary of the Interiors Standards require differentiation AND compatibility.  The primary aspect of differentiation need not be style.  It is a choice made by the designer to differentiate an addition by its style alone.  Frequently, compatibility is completely ignored as a requirement - and additions that might be designed using similar materials or style to the historical building are rejected by preservationists and members of design review boards who get caught up in differentiation.

------------------------------
David Ellison, AIA
Cleveland, OH
www.dhellison.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

I have worked on several National Register properties including some with new additions and my take on the SOI standards regarding additions is that they are discouraging attempts to do a "fake" historic addition.  Obviously, there is a lot of subjectivity involved in determining what is fake, complementary, sufficiently differentiated, appropriate, etc.  However, if this is a tax credit project the design will have to be reviewed and approved by the SHPO and the National Park Service who will have the final say on what is acceptable.  Just make sure to get the approvals needed before proceeding with construction.
Richard A. Miller, AIA

------------------------------
Richard Miller AIA
R A Miller Consulting LLC
Pittsburgh PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-28-2020 21:25
From: David Ellison
Subject: Addition to historic building

Standard #9 of the Secretary of the Interiors Standards require differentiation AND compatibility.  The primary aspect of differentiation need not be style.  It is a choice made by the designer to differentiate an addition by its style alone.  Frequently, compatibility is completely ignored as a requirement - and additions that might be designed using similar materials or style to the historical building are rejected by preservationists and members of design review boards who get caught up in differentiation.

------------------------------
David Ellison, AIA
Cleveland, OH
www.dhellison.com

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

I have worked on several National Register properties including some with new additions and my take on the SOI standards regarding additions is that they are discouraging attempts to do a "fake" historic addition.  Obviously, there is a lot of subjectivity involved in determining what is fake, complementary, sufficiently differentiated, appropriate, etc.  However, if this is a tax credit project the design will have to be reviewed and approved by the SHPO and the National Park Service who will have the final say on what is acceptable.  Just make sure to get the approvals needed before proceeding with construction.
Richard A. Miller, AIA

------------------------------
Richard Miller AIA
R A Miller Consulting LLC
Pittsburgh PA
------------------------------

A new addition can be distinct from the historic structure without being a glass box. Preservation Brief 14 describes this standard in more detail.  

------------------------------
Sarah Polzin
Training Manager
National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center
Frederick MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Another way of describing the preservation approach of an addition  to an historic building is for the addition to clearly be a product of its time, but be executed in a way that is both compatible with the historic structure, and restrained so as not to overpower or distract from the perception or interpretation of the  historic structure. I sometimes use the analogy of the rings of a tree, clearly a product of their time but utterly compatible with the overall organism. Not a perfect analogy but a good start. To interpret the Standards as requiring a different architectural style from the historic is to misread the Standards.

------------------------------
Norman Alston, FAIA
Principal
Norman Alston Architects
Dallas, Texas
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Right on Norman.!  An addition to a Historic Building or House is like adding a Brother or Sister....same nose, same eyes, same ears, same DNA... but different.
It takes study, skill and experience.

------------------------------
Nelson B. Nave AIA
Owner
Nelson Breech Nave, AIA Architect
Kalamazoo MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-02-2020 17:59
From: Norman Alston
Subject: Addition to historic building

Another way of describing the preservation approach of an addition  to an historic building is for the addition to clearly be a product of its time, but be executed in a way that is both compatible with the historic structure, and restrained so as not to overpower or distract from the perception or interpretation of the  historic structure. I sometimes use the analogy of the rings of a tree, clearly a product of their time but utterly compatible with the overall organism. Not a perfect analogy but a good start. To interpret the Standards as requiring a different architectural style from the historic is to misread the Standards.

------------------------------
Norman Alston, FAIA
Principal
Norman Alston Architects
Dallas, Texas

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Determining how closely the new matches/doesn't match the original is always a delicate & creative decision; the attitude of the SHPOfficer is paramount.  I recently established a large addition to a 1908 Public Library & was allowed to match the original windows, brick, granite & limestone base & banding, and the clay roof tile (partially because the addition was on the 4th façade & partially because of a close but not exact match for the brick & tile colors, which SHPO agreed would always differentiate the addition from the original).    

I must say, also - great analogy concerning DNA from the previous commenter.  I have always taken the approach to 'get inside the mind' of the original designer(s) - what's the module; the hierarchy of the ​parts & ornaments; coloration of the parts; etc. If the original is the 'parent', does the addition ('child') exhibit all of the design characteristics/hierarchy of the parts/coloration/any or all of the ornamentation of the original.  Blend in the national & SHPO (and all of the various code & regulatory) requirements/interpretations & the dynamics of this old+new relationship is a wonder when well handled.

------------------------------
Edward Storm AIA
FEH DESIGN
Sioux City IA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2020 09:11
From: Nelson B. Nave
Subject: Addition to historic building

Right on Norman.!  An addition to a Historic Building or House is like adding a Brother or Sister....same nose, same eyes, same ears, same DNA... but different.
It takes study, skill and experience.

------------------------------
Nelson B. Nave AIA
Owner
Nelson Breech Nave, AIA Architect
Kalamazoo MI

Original Message:
Sent: 03-02-2020 17:59
From: Norman Alston
Subject: Addition to historic building

Another way of describing the preservation approach of an addition  to an historic building is for the addition to clearly be a product of its time, but be executed in a way that is both compatible with the historic structure, and restrained so as not to overpower or distract from the perception or interpretation of the  historic structure. I sometimes use the analogy of the rings of a tree, clearly a product of their time but utterly compatible with the overall organism. Not a perfect analogy but a good start. To interpret the Standards as requiring a different architectural style from the historic is to misread the Standards.

------------------------------
Norman Alston, FAIA
Principal
Norman Alston Architects
Dallas, Texas

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

Determining how closely the new matches/doesn't match the original is always a delicate & creative decision; the attitude of the SHPOfficer is paramount.  I recently established a large addition to a 1908 Public Library & was allowed to match the original windows, brick, granite & limestone base & banding, and the clay roof tile (partially because the addition was on the 4th façade & partially because of a close but not exact match for the brick & tile colors, which SHPO agreed would always differentiate the addition from the original).    

I must say, also - great analogy concerning DNA from the previous commenter.  I have always taken the approach to 'get inside the mind' of the original designer(s) - what's the module; the hierarchy of the ​parts & ornaments; coloration of the parts; etc. If the original is the 'parent', does the addition ('child') exhibit all of the design characteristics/hierarchy of the parts/coloration/any or all of the ornamentation of the original.  Blend in the national & SHPO (and all of the various code & regulatory) requirements/interpretations & the dynamics of this old+new relationship is a wonder when well handled.

------------------------------
Edward Storm AIA
FEH DESIGN
Sioux City IA
------------------------------

Great discussion - all of these analogies are very interesting. I have always thought of the work as "speaking the building's language." The treatment is then naturally sympathetic and compatible while still being of its time. With experience, we become multilingual.

That all being said, there are examples of additions that do work in a modern language. Being primarily focused in residential historic architecture, I have never worked with a client that wanted a modern addition to a historic home.

------------------------------
Gene Greene AIA
Principal, Historic Architect
Studio Greene, LLC
Littleton CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-02-2020 17:59
From: Norman Alston
Subject: Addition to historic building

Another way of describing the preservation approach of an addition  to an historic building is for the addition to clearly be a product of its time, but be executed in a way that is both compatible with the historic structure, and restrained so as not to overpower or distract from the perception or interpretation of the  historic structure. I sometimes use the analogy of the rings of a tree, clearly a product of their time but utterly compatible with the overall organism. Not a perfect analogy but a good start. To interpret the Standards as requiring a different architectural style from the historic is to misread the Standards.

------------------------------
Norman Alston, FAIA
Principal
Norman Alston Architects
Dallas, Texas

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone

Steve Semes and I have written books that address this issue from a different point of view than either the Sec. of the Interior or the Venice Charter--we do not want an architecture of "our time." We want an architecture of "place" that is not tainted by the style of the moment, whether it be Modernist or Fu Manchu. All good additions are made with the materials, details, and proportions of the original building, and some are very close to the style of the original. Style is simply a means of doing something, based in a cultural context. As Viollet-le-duc said, "the manifestation of a principle using a technique." We need to remove "distinct" and "of our time" from all language about additions.

------------------------------
Mark Hewitt FAIA
Principal
Mark Alan Hewitt Architects
Bernardsville NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2020 21:32
From: Robert Taylor
Subject: Addition to historic building

We are adding a stair tower to the side of an historic building on Rice University campus. The designer said the stair tower which is being added to the exterior of the building must be a distinctively different design so it stands out as an addition. Possibly this is required if the building has national or state markers. He has designed an all glass enclosed stairway against a decorative brick Byzantine style building.

I have never heard the requirement of a different architectural style for an addition. Is this true for buildings which have a national historic marker?

R. Taylor

Sent from my iPhone