[MassHistPres] preservation cost increases?

[marcia m wengen]

To members of the Mass Historic Preservation Listserve:

 

Our Town Administrator has asked us to research if
renovation/restoration costs are higher because a MHC preservation
project requires that the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties be met. We are considering exterior
painting, mortar work and an interior kitchen relocation for which we
are expected to sign a preservation restriction and hire a preservation
architect to scope and manage the project on a municipal building that
is listed on the National Register. 

 

Are special materials required to maintain the historical integrity? Do
they cost more? If they do, are they worth the additional cost? By what
percentage do the costs rise? Any first hand experience or general
comments welcome. 

 

What other questions should I be asking?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marcia M. Wengen

Secretary

Stoneham Historical Commission