Category Archives: Historic Resources

Information of Historic Resources and Historic Preservation.

DCA & NJ HISTORIC TRUST LAUNCH CAPITAL NEEDS SURVEY FOR NEW JERSEY HISTORIC SITES

February 1, 2012 – 11:47 am

Survey Will Help Identify Repair, Restoration, and Improvement Needs of Historic Places

 

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Acting Commissioner Richard E. Constable III today, January 31, 2012 announced the launch of a new Capital Needs Survey that will collect information on the repair, restoration and improvement needs of historic sites throughout the state. The New Jersey Historic Trust, a DCA affiliate, is leading the effort and encourages all publicly owned and nonprofit-managed sites to participate in the survey.

“The Historic Trust recognizes that even our state’s most notable and celebrated historic sites and attractions have significant needs for repairs and improvements, all of which will ultimately serve the public better,” said Acting Commissioner Constable. “This survey will help the Trust identify those specific needs and begin to quantify the costs associated with making these historic buildings relevant and useful in their communities.”

The survey will begin on February 1, 2012, and run until May 1, 2012. It will pose questions about a building’s use, repair needs, projected repair costs, and, if appropriate, its participation in heritage tourism development.

A “historic building” is defined as a structure that was built more than 50 years ago, or prior to 1962. A property does not need to be listed on the state or national Register of Historic Places to be included in the survey. Buildings that may participate include: historic residences, farmsteads, factories, theaters, museums, houses of worship, fire houses, libraries, railroad stations, schools and more. Buildings owned by private homeowners or businesses are not eligible for this survey.

This is the second Capital Needs Survey in the State of New Jersey. The first, in 1990, identified capital needs of more than $400 million. The results of the survey helped garner public support for four historic preservation bond referendums in the 1990s, and sustain historic preservation funding from the Garden Sate Preservation Trust from 2000 to 2010.

This year, the Historic Trust is hoping to attract more participants by making the survey accessible online.

“By using the Internet and making the survey easy to complete and submit, we hope to reach as many historic site stewards as possible,” said Historic Trust Executive Director Dorothy Guzzo. “The broader the participation, the better picture we will have of the state’s real need for historic preservation funding. “

Upon completion of the survey, the data will be analyzed and the capital needs of the state’s historic properties will be tallied and published by the end of the year. The Historic Trust will use the information to prioritize and/or revise criteria for its program, as well as to alert the community to begin thinking about their future stewardship needs.

“The Capital Needs Survey will provide New Jersey with important financial data to illustrate the continuing need for investment in the state’s historic resources,” said Historic Trust Chair Chris Perks. “Funding the preservation of existing buildings and structures helps make our communities more sustainable as well as enjoyable.”

The Historic Trust administers grants from the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the NJ Cultural Trust Capital Preservation Grant Program, the “Discover NJ History” License Plate Fund and the 1772 Foundation Grant Program for New Jersey. Since 1990, the Historic Trust has awarded more than $134 million in matching preservation grants to sites in every county of the state. Established in 1967, the New Jersey Historic Trust is the only nonprofit historic preservation organization in New Jersey created by state law. Its mission is to advance historic preservation in New Jersey for the benefit of future generations through education, stewardship and financial investment programs that saves the state’s heritage and strengthens its communities.

For more information on the New Jersey Historic Trust, please visit http://www.njht.org. For more information on the Capital Needs Survey, log on to http://fs19.formsite.com/NJHT/CapitalNeedsSurvey/index.html.

By remert | Also posted in AIA-NJ News, Architecture in NJ, NJ Architect Newsletter | Comments (0)

Leicester B. Holland Prize Call for Entries

January 17, 2012 – 9:50 am

2012 Holland Proze Poster

The Leicester B. Holland Prize is an annual competition that recognizes the best single-sheet measured drawing of an historic building, site, or structure prepared by an individual(s) to the standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS). The prize is supported by the Paul Rudolph Trust, Architectural Record, a magazine of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); and the Center for Architecture, Design & Engineering in the Library of Congress, and administered by the Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service (HABS/HAER/HALS/CRGIS). The prize honors Leicester B. Holland (1882-1952), FAIA, chairman of the AIA’s Committee on Historic Buildings, head of the Fine Arts Division of the Library of Congress and first curator of the HABS collection, a co-founder of the HABS program in the 1930s, and the first chair of the HABS Advisory Board.

 

The prize is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of historic sites, structures, and landscapes throughout the United States while adding to the permanent HABS, HAER and HALS collection at the Library of Congress, and to encourage the submission of drawings among professionals and students. The prize is also intended to reinvigorate the art of architectural delineation and composition in the tradition established by the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Beaux Arts methodology embraced the study and drawing of historic buildings as a crucial component of architectural education, providing an opportunity for young architects to gain an understanding of the principles of design and construction. Additionally, it was a means through which architects mined historic buildings for architectural motifs to be used in their restoration and new design projects. By requiring only a single sheet, the competition challenges the delineator to capture the essence of the site through the presentation of key features that reflect its historic and its architectural, landscape architectural or engineering significance. The Holland Prize competition is open to all those interested, regardless of experience or professional background.

Entry deadline: June 1, 2012

Architectural Record magazine will publish the winning drawing, and the winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and a certificate of recognition. Merit awards will also be given.

For more information on the competition go to:


http://www.nps.gov/history/hdp/competitions/holland.htm

By AIA New Jersey | Also posted in NJ Architect Newsletter | Tagged , | Comments (0)

NJ Future Seeks Nominations for 2012 Smart Growth Awards

January 2, 2012 – 8:00 pm

Do you know of an innovative project, plan or initiative that deserves to be honored for bringing smart growth ideals to light? Consider nominating it for a 2012 Smart Growth Award.

Winners will be selected by jury and recognized at New Jersey Future’s annual Smart Growth Awards celebration on June 7, 2012 at the Newark Club in Newark.

The Smart Growth Awards celebration is considered one of the state’s premier networking events and an occasion that draws wide media attention and an attendance of more than 300 development industry professionals, as well as local, regional, and state leaders.

Since 2002, New Jersey Future has honored smart planning and development in New Jersey through this annual event. The awards help promote our mission to secure economic opportunity, community vitality and quality of life for all New Jerseyans.

For inspiration, check out the previous winners.

Guidelines and nomination form are available in PDF and Word formats. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 3, 2012.

By AIA New Jersey | Also posted in Architecture in NJ, Environment, Members & the Community | Tagged , | Comments (0)

BELL LABS HOLMDEL: ARCHITECTS AND PERSERVATION GROUPS REACT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

December 8, 2011 – 12:50 pm

The coalition of organizations advocating for the preservation of the former Bell Labs building and landscape have been anticipating the proposed zoning changes from Holmdel Township for most of this year. A multidisciplinary Charrette held three ago years by AIA-New Jersey, Docomomo US/NY Tri-State and Preservation NJ developed design approaches for the preservation and sympathetic reuse of the internationally significant modernist landmark. “The Bell Labs site poses many challenges adapting it sensitively to new uses while protecting the landscape,” said Michael Calafati, AIA, of AIA-New Jersey.

“We are heartened to see that Holmdel is acknowledging preservation of the building as a goal in the public’s interest. Permitting new and mixed uses will help achieve this. This news is in keeping with the Charrette’s recommendations,” he added. The Eero Saarinen-designed building (1957-1962) and Sasaski-Walker designed landscape have already been deemed eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Accordingly, the site’s overall importance is based on the building and the landscape as a unified entity. The preservation groups welcome much of the Redevelopment Plan’s provisions but an area of concern remains the potential impact to the imposing landscape. “The architect and landscape architect worked collaboratively to create a unique and singular vision for Bell Labs. There is no distinction between the jewel and the setting – it is all of one piece,” said Nina Rappaport of Docomomo New York/Tri-State. “We hope that initial efforts will be placed on preserving and adapting the building so that any impact on the landscape can be considered carefully.” While the groups acknowledge the potential for a change in use, the landscape could be preserved for passive recreation, especially considering the setting and the environmental impact.

The building, shuttered in July 2007 and listed for sale since, is included on Preservation New Jersey’s list of the state’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The coalition that organized the Bell Labs Charrette and published the final report includes the NJ Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ), Preservation New Jersey (PNJ), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, DOCOMOMO-US (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings and sites of the MOdern MOvement), the DOCOMOMO US/NY Tri-State Chapter, the Recent Past Preservation Network, The Cultural Landscape Foundation, and the NJ Conservation Foundation. The charrette report is available for downloading by clicking here.

The Holmdel Township Committee will hold a public hearing December 20, 2011, on the proposed ordinance to adopt the redevelopment plan. The redevelopment plan is available for download by clicking here, and following the link either to the redevelopment plan summary or full redevelopment plan.

For more information, contact:

Michael Calafati, AIA
AIA New Jersey
609-884-4922
michael@calafati.com

Nina Rappaport
DOCOMOMO US/NY Tri-State
212-531-3472
Rappaporthall@sprintmail.com

Stephanie Cherry-Farmer
Preservation New Jersey
609-392-6409
info@preservationnj.org

By Bruce D. Turner, AIA | Also posted in AIA-NJ News, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts by Frank Furness

June 15, 2011 – 6:03 pm

By Frank Cunha III, AIA
Editorial Writer

Ever since I first heard about Frank Heyling Furness (1839–1912) during an Architectural history class I have been fascinated by his work. I made several trips to Philadelphia to see his work and I am familiar with his Emlen Physick Estate in historic Cape May, New Jersey. Although at first glance his work appears to be traditional Victorian, his body of work trandscends any particular style. I consider Furness the first Deconstructivist (or Pre- Post-Modernist) the way he melded different styles to create his work. Below I am featuring his most well known and preserved work, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts located in Philadelphia, which is one of the few projects that have been preserved.

Read the rest of the article on the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

By AIA New Jersey | Also posted in Editorial | Comments (0)

National Park Service Starts Architectural Drawing Competition

March 16, 2011 – 12:42 pm

Sharpen your pencils, the National Park Service has a $1,000 prize at stake in a new competition for architectural artists who create drawings of historic buildings.

“Drawings from the hands of skilled craftsmen are valuable tools when it comes to the protection of America’s treasured historic structures,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “They are a permanent record of our nation’s built environment, created with the precision needed to restore or repair these places of our past. This competition will reinvigorate this specialty and encourage the development of the talents it requires.”

The Historic American Buildings Survey, called HABS, began in 1934. The National Park Service has been its only home. The architectural drawings, large format photographs and written histories HABS uses to document historic structures are housed at the Library of Congress and are available to the public online. More than 40,000 historic structures and sites have been documented.

The competition and its prize are named for Leicester B. Holland (1882-1952), the co-founder of the Historic American Building Survey program and head of the Fine Arts Division of the Library of Congress.

Catherine Lavoie leads the Historic American Buildings Survey today. “The Holland Prize is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of historic sites, structures, and landscapes throughout the United States while adding to our permanent collection. By requiring only a single sheet, the competition challenges the student or professional to capture the essence of the site through the presentation of key features that reflect its historic and its architectural, landscape architectural or engineering significance,” Lavoie said.

Drawings of historic buildings are a crucial component of architectural education. Lavoie said they provide opportunity for young architects to gain an understanding of the principles of design and construction and in addition to their use for restoration work, contribute to new design projects.

The competition will be administered by the National Park Service’s Heritage Documentation Programs. Entries of an historic building, site, or structure including engineering sites and historic landscapes must be prepared by an individual or individuals to standards established by HABS or its sister programs the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS).

In addition to the cash, the winning drawing will be published in Architectural Record magazine.

May 31 is the deadline for entry form submissions and June 30 is the deadline for submission of completed entries. To download the Holland Prize entry form, competition rules and recommendations visit: 
http://www.nps.gov/history/hdp/competitions/holland.htm

The prize is supported by the Paul Rudolph Trust, Architectural Record, a magazine of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); and theCenter for Architecture, Design & Engineering in the Library of Congress, and the National Park Service.

The Holland prize joins the Peterson Prize in drawing competitions. Each year the HABS/HAER/HALS programs offer students employment and training opportunities. Please visit 
http://www.nps.gov/hdp/jobs/summer.htm
 for student employment information and
http://www.nps.gov/hdp/jobs/peterson.htm
 for information about the Peterson Prize.

And be sure to visit us on Facebook with professionals, friends, alumni, project sponsors, and others interested in our work of recording America’s architectural, engineering and landscape heritage through measured drawings, written historical reports and large-format photography.”

By AIA New Jersey | Also posted in Emerging Professionals | Tagged | Comments (0)

Take Action – Historic Property Reinvestment Act

February 16, 2011 – 1:42 pm

On January 10, 2011, the New Jersey Senate voted 38 – 0 in favor of the Historic Property Revitalization Act (HPRA).  On February 17, 2011 the Assembly 62-10-5 in favor of the bill.  Governor Christie has vetoed the bill.

The historic rehabilitation tax credit bill is a legislative work in progress for more than a dozen years in New Jersey.

Please call Gov. Christie at 609-292-6000 or email him NOW and ask for his support for A1851.  Governor Christie welcomes the opportunity to consider your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and questions.

NEW:  Preservation New Jersey & National Trust publish latest economic impact and jobs creation case studies here

Read the Star-Ledger’s editorial in support here

CALL TO ACTION:
1.  Please contact your Assembly members and Senator and ask them to co-sponsor the HPRA.
2. Please contact your Mayor or local Governing Body and ask them to adopt a resolution of support for HPRA.
3. For up-to-date information on the HPRA bill status
visit the NJ Heritage Development Coalition blog.

Assembly Bill: A1851
Primary Sponsors: Gusciora, Reed; Jasey, Mila; Greenstein, Linda; Spencer, L. Grace; Co-sponsors:  Giblin, Thomas P.;  Prieto, Vincent; Johnson, Gordon M.; McKeon, John F.; Diegnan, Patrick J. Jr.; Munoz, Nancy F.; Quigley, Joan M.; Vandervalk, Charlotte; Burchizelli, John J.; Voss, Joan M.; Egan, Joseph V.; Connors, Jack; Vainieri Huttle, Valerie; Wagner, Connie; Tucker, Cleopatra G. ; Ramos, Ruben J., Jr. ; Rodriguez, Caridad ; Chivukula, Upendra J. ; Angelini, Mary Pat ; Moriarty, Paul D. ; Caputo, Ralph R. ; Coutinho, Albert ; Fuentes, Angel ; Stender, Linda; Wilson, Gilbert L.; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Coughlin, Craig J.; Bucco, Anthony M.; Quijano, Annette; Rible, David P.; Lampitt, Pamela R.; Greenwald, Louis D. ; Evans, Elease

Senate Bill: S659
Primary Sponsor:Buono, Barbara;
Co-Sponsors: Turner, Shirley K.; Weinberg, Loretta; Allen, Diane B.; Bucco, Anthony R.;  Sarlo, Paul A.; Sweeney, Stephen M.; Vitale, Joseph F.; Kean, Thomas H., Jr.; Scutari, Nicholas P.; Bateman, Christopher; Gordon, Robert; Pennachio, Joseph

The Act will provide homeowners and corporations with an economic incentive to help revitalize older neighborhoods and historic downtowns, create thousands of skilled jobs and reuse historic structures by providing a State tax credit for their rehabilitation. Similar tax credit programs in 29 states, such as Maryland and Rhode Island, have generated net tax revenue to the state (see Rhode Island’s analysis at www.growsmartri.com/tax.html). The historic rehab tax credit is an especially effective Smart Growth economic development tool to help restart investment in the housing market! The program would be administered by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office, which already certifies projects for a similar federal historic tax credit for income-producing properties. AIA-NJ and the New Jersey Heritage Development Coalition, including Preservation New Jersey, is advocating for this proven economic stimulus tool.
1. HPRA Description
2. Three case studies applying the tax credit to theoretical preservation projects.

What Will It Do?
Promote Smart Growth: The recently re-adopted New Jersey State Development and Re-Development Plan embraces the idea that in order to provide sustainable communities in New Jersey, development and re-development must occur around designated centers, where the vast majority of our historic structures are found. Taking advantage of existing building stock reduces urban sprawl, preserves green space and reduces landfill waste.
Foster Community Revitalization and Heritage Tourism: Many historic buildings, both residential and commercial in nature, are located in older urban areas in need of economic revitalization. Rehabilitated properties will foster more rehabilitation, revitalizing neighborhoods, increasing property values, stimulating the local economy and tourism through creation of jobs, and result in more employment opportunities associated with income-production activity. Studies have shown that more revenue is returned to the New Jersey Treasury than is given in tax credits as a result.
What Is The Credit? A taxpayer would be allowed a credit against his/her personal income tax OR a business would be allowed a credit against its corporate business tax of 25 per cent of the costs of a completed rehabilitation. Taxpayers not able to use the credit would be able to transfer it.

What Buildings Qualify? A qualified historic building is one that is listed individually or within a district on the State or National Registers of Historic Places or within a locally designated historic district and contributing to the district’s significance, and must be certified by the State Historic Preservation Office.

How Does a Project Qualify? A qualified individual or entity must own or have a qualifying long-term lease on the structure, and the structure and rehabilitation work must be certified by the State Historic Preservation Office and the work must be done in conformance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the project must be considered a substantial rehabilitation.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION
State Tax Incentives for Historic Preservation: A State-By-State Summary National Trust for Historic Preservation

Other States’ Economic Impacts:

Michigan Tax Credit Report Card

Maryland tax credit report

Virginia tax credit report

Missouri economic impacts report

Who is My Legislator?

find your legislator>>>

By remert | Also posted in AIA-NJ News, Architecture in NJ, Legislative & Government Affairs, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

ISRAEL: An Architect’s View of 2000 Years of Structure & Design

January 26, 2011 – 11:21 am

Shalom, Salam and Welcome Friends!!

As a kid, I was taught NEVER mix POLITICS or RELIGION with work…….WELL HERE IS THE OPPORTUNITY to not only mix a phenomenal work experience with Politics and Religion BUT to earn Continuing Education Credits in the process.

This is a Once in a Lifetime Travel Experience:

ISRAEL: An Architect’s View of 2000 Years of Structure & Design

This tour will be personally escorted by me. The meetings with renowned architects like Moshe Safdie, Haim Dotan and David Reznik, among others, have all been pre-arranged and the sightseeing experience with a fully qualified English speaking guide will be incredible.

How good does Sustainable Design get when there are theaters and buildings in use for almost 2000 years???

The space is limited, so make your plans to join us now and spend spring time in Jerusalem, truly one of the most beautiful and intriguing cities of the world.

Find out more information:

http://www.aiautah.org/files/israeltripitinerary_registration.pdf

Contact me for additional information and register very soon and remember to let you members know about this program! They will thank you.

Shalom, I hope to see you in Israel this spring

J. Laura Green
Program & Membership Director
AIA UTAH
801-532-1727
268 South State Street Suite 190
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
http://www.aiautah.org

By AIA New Jersey | Also posted in AIA-NJ News, Continuing Ed | Tagged | Comments (0)

CALL FOR PAPERS Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy2011 Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 21-25, 2011

December 1, 2010 – 7:01 pm

Art, Craft, Modernism, and Frank Lloyd Wright on the East Coast
Frank Lloyd Wright’s work is sometimes viewed in stalwart opposition to that of his EastCoast contemporaries, who are cast variously as conservatives resisting modernity or asEurophiles dazzled by the latest fashions crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Philadelphia, withits rich history in progressive American architecture and design, provides a splendidvantage point for the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy to reconsider that viewat its 2011 annual meeting.
The Conservancy invites proposals for papers responding to the theme, “Art, Craft,Modernism, and Frank Lloyd Wright on the East Coast.” Wright’s own life and practicehave complex ties to the East Coast beginning with his childhood years in Pawtucket,Rhode Island, and Weymouth, Massachusetts, and including his association with Ladies’Home Journal, published in Philadelphia, his activities as a collector and dealer inJapanese prints, and numerous architectural projects and commissions betweenWashington, D.C., and Boston over the course of his career. In addition to topics focusedon Wright, we welcome proposals offering parallels and counterpoints to his work. ThePhiladelphia area, for instance, offers a long tradition of design innovation from the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts Movement to the mid-century Studio Furniture Movement,associated with Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima, and of progressive architects,including Antonin Raymond and Louis Kahn, that invite comparison to Wright’saspirations.
Proposals should be in the form of an abstract (one-page, single-spaced, with the author’sname at the top) that concisely describe the theme and development of a fifteen-minutepresentation. It must be accompanied by a one-page biography or curriculum vitae andcontact information, including full name, affiliation, mailing address, email address,telephone and fax numbers. Please specify audiovisual needs.
Proposals must be received by Friday, February 18Notification will be sent out by Friday, March 25
Please direct questions and proposals (email submissions are welcome) to:
Professor Richard ClearySchool of ArchitectureUniversity of Texas at Austin1 University Station B7500Austin, TX 78712-0222
Email: cleary@mail.utexas.eduTelephone: (512) 471-6165Fax: (512) 471-0716

By Gina | Also posted in Continuing Ed, NJ Architect Newsletter | Tagged | Comments (0)

Change the Fate of Places that Matter to You: 10 Most Endangered 2011

November 23, 2010 – 8:08 am

There’s that vacant historic building you drive by on your way to work each day. Or that new development you just heard about- the one that’s planned to wipe out a historic farm . Or what about all the historic resources of your town that aren’t protected because you don’t have a historic preservation ordinance?

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why isn’t someone doing something to protect these important places?” YOU can be that someone.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey . 2011 will mark PNJ’s 17th year of using this tool to publicize the plights of New Jersey’s threatened historic resources and the overarching conditions- diminished funds, a lack of effective legislation, neglect, indifference, and more- that keep our historic treasures under constant threat. The fates of countless landmarks have been affected when local advocates have used the 10 Most Endangered list to spread the word about a property’s plight.

But history is in your hands. PNJ depends on local advocates to make us aware of important places that need attention. Do you know of an endangered historic property? Tell us about it! Nomination forms are available on our website.

Nomination period closes DECEMBER 7, 2010. Don’t delay- help us help your heritage today!

 

By AIA New Jersey | Comments (0)
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