Historic Preservation: Project Planning and Estimating (RSMeans) [Hardcover]

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0876295731 | ISBN-13: 978-0876295731 | Edition: 1

With over a million commercial/institutional buildings and countless residences erected in the U.S. prior to World War II, more and more AECs and facility professionals are having to manage and estimate preservation of these projects. This book provides crucial information on:

• Applicable standards and financing
• Site survey and documentation methods
• Protecting finishes and features
• Hazardous materials
• Identifying and qualifying specialty contractors
• Mechanical/electrical systems upgrades
• Includes a reference guide on old building materials and how to restore them

The Cost Estimating section explains how to assemble a reliable, detailed estimate. The book also covers budgeting for future maintenance of the restored building.

Authored and reviewed by a team of leading experts in the field of historic preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation –  authorities recognized nationwide in design and construction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Aesthetically laid out...expertly written to appeal to all audiences regardless of their technical expertise...a true pleasure to read" -- Cost Engineering Magazine, Vol. 43/No. 6, June 2001

About the Author

The primary authors, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, are well known for their work on high-profile historic properties, such as the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. Capitol Building, but have also designed and managed a wide range of residential, commercial, municipal, and institutional preservation projects. Other contributors include leading historic preservation authorities from notable design and construction firms across the United States. Several contributors are members of the American Institute of Architects Historic Resources Committee.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 700 pages
• Publisher: RSMeans; 1 edition (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876295731
• ISBN-13: 978-0876295731
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #471,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time!, December 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Historic Preservation: Project Planning and Estimating (RSMeans) (Hardcover)

The American construction industry has been waiting for this book for a long time. Its practical information can make this type of work a usual business practice, with profit for practitioners and retention of the public's cultural heritage. It can be done on time, on budget and still sensitive to original design and fabric, if the team has a well-rounded education.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HP: PP&E - Indispensable!, May 28, 2009

By 

Helen A. Person (Winder, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Historic Preservation: Project Planning and Estimating (RSMeans) (Hardcover)

As a graduate student in Historic Preservation, the information contained in this volume will be indispensable as I practice in the field. One of the major obstacles to restoration/rehabilitation projects is the cost. Projects sputter along because initial estimates are often based on typical remodel costs rather than the expenses involved in restoring to a previous time and workmanship. This book is comprehensive in scope, detailed in content and, I predict, will be well-used.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book and probably unique, November 8, 2006

By 

Michael F. Kennedy (Roanoke, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historic Preservation: Project Planning and Estimating (RSMeans) (Hardcover)

This is a very useful book for anyone who has a role in a historic preservation project. It's the only book I've seen that looks at the whole project from feasibility and financing to contracts and construction.

Not all of this book is riveting reading, but all of it is necessary to understanding what a large-scale preservation project might entail.

The authors have vast experience in some of the biggest and most important (e.g. the Statue of Liberty) preservation projects undertaken in recent times.

The only real flaw I noticed was in the discussion of using historic preservation tax credits: No mention was made of syndicating -- a process akin to selling -- tax credits so that nonprofits can take advantage of them.