Program targets federal preservation standards

In conjunction with national Preservation Week, May 14-20, the city of Springfield's Landmarks Board and Preservation Springfield will present a panel discussion, "Working with Local Building Codes and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation," 7-9 p.m. May 18 in City Council chambers.

The program, which is targeted to National Register historic properties, goes along with the Preservation Week theme of "Taking America's Past Into the Future."

The recent institution of Missouri's historic rehabilitation tax credits has sparked an increased interest in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, according to Paula Ringer, vice chair of the city's Landmarks Board.

To utilize historic preservation incentives, property owners must follow the Secretary of the Interior's rehabilitation standards, but many owners have a hard time satisfying the historic rehabilitation requirements while conforming to local building codes.

According to Ringer, panelists will discuss building codes, rehabilitating historic buildings, applying the Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation and qualifying for historic rehabilitation tax credits.

The panelists

Harlan Hill, code development specialist with the city of Springfield, will speak on "Understanding Requirements to Protect Public Safety."

Michele Ohmes, ADA/disability specialist from Kansas City, will address "Applying Practical Solutions to Accessibility Codes."

Laura Derrick, architect with Laura Derrick Architects, will speak on "Important Planning and Implementation Issues Relevant to Older Structures."

Angelo Logan, historic architect, tax credit reviewer with the Missouri Historic Preservation Program, will address "Tax Credit Review and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation."

Tim Rosenbury, AIA, architect and principal with Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc., will present "Case Study: Seville Hotel, Springfield, Mo."

June Wakefield, Midtown property owner, will present "Case Study: 1350 N. Clay, Contributing Residential Structure to Midtown."

David Eslick, of the Landmarks Board, will serve as panel moderator. Opening remarks will be made by Mike Pentecost, chairman of the Landmarks Board, and Helen White, president of Preservation Springfield.

The program is geared to professionals, volunteers and property owners involved in making decisions and giving advice regarding rehabilitation of historic buildings. As time permits, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel and share local experiences and solutions.

For more information on this program, contact Paula Ringer at 831-7672.