Historic Properties to offer resources online

The Springfield firm is building an Internet resource for those pursuing preservation

Historic Properties of Springfield Inc. has announced an Internet site to support historic preservation in Springfield. The site, developed by R&D Innovations, is designed to serve as a central online information source on Springfield's historic resources and local, state and federal regulations, programs and funding sources supporting individual and group historic-preservation activities.

The Web site at

www.HistoricSpringfield.org

will include pages that will provide online access to Springfield historical data and research resources. The site is still being developed.

"If you go to the site today, what you'll see is the architectural plan for how we are continuing to build it," said Russell Aldredge, managing partner of R&D Innovations. "Since Historic Properties will be using it as a resource for its own preservation projects, we will be getting, first-hand, new insights to how we can make the site as beneficial to visitors as possible."

"As a startup organization with our own preservation projects, we have learned a lot over the past six months about what it takes to implement a viable historic preservation effort," said Richard Burton, president of Historic Properties of Springfield. "The encouraging lesson is that there are some great tools provided on the local, state and federal levels by organizations that are committed and passionate about preserving our historic resources."

The site also plans to have pages about National Register Historic Districts and Sites in Springfield, as well as Springfield Historic Landmarks. A page featuring historic properties for sale is planned to allow real estate agents an outlet to market historic structures.

The Web site is "not intended to reinvent or duplicate tools that are already available," Burton said. "We're out to get all the right tools in one place for easy reach. We want to be a research and project management toolbox that can both accelerate the learning curve for the novice preservationist and be a value-add to the professional."

A calendar of events and updates on preservation activities throughout the city and state is also part of the site's development.

"We have a lot of work to do on the site before we fully realize its potential much like the historic sites that it has been developed to serve," Burton said. "As we continue to grow our knowledge base, we will be making ongoing enhancements to the site. Internet technology fortunately enables a quick turnaround and inexpensive way for us to share our learning and gain new learning from others."

Burton said e-mail links on the site will allow visitors to seek advice, make suggestions and share "war stories" about preservation work.